Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan Wildcats women's volleyball team faced two defeats at the Midwest Region Crossover in Hammond, Indiana, on Friday. The Wildcats lost their first match to Findlay University from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) in straight sets, with scores of 20-25, 17-25, and 14-25. Later in the day, they were defeated by Quincy University of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), also in three sets: 19-25, 12-25, and 22-25.

Freshman Kaylie McIntosh led the Wildcats offensively in both matches, recording nine kills against Findlay and ten against Quincy. McKenzie Gruner contributed a total of 15 kills and four blocks across the two matches. Allie Barlow provided 48 assists on the day.

In the opening match against Findlay, Northern Michigan started with a kill from McIntosh but soon trailed as Findlay took a 5-2 lead. The Wildcats briefly led after a 4-0 run, but Findlay regained control and won the first set. The Oilers maintained momentum throughout the match, ultimately outhitting NMU .344 to .092 and recording 45 kills to Northern's 25. McIntosh led with nine kills, Barlow had three aces, and Gruner added 2.5 blocks.

Against Quincy, NMU kept the first set close but lost 19-25. Quincy then took an early lead in the second set and won it decisively. The Wildcats showed some resilience in the third set, narrowing the gap late in the frame before Quincy secured the sweep. McIntosh finished with ten kills, while Quincy’s Susanna Beretti led all players with 19 kills.

The Wildcats' overall record now stands at 7-11. They are scheduled to play Ashland on Saturday before returning to conference play next weekend.