Great Lakes Wire

Northern Michigan University’s women’s volleyball team secured a dramatic five-set victory over Michigan Tech on Tuesday night at Vandament Arena in Marquette. The Wildcats won with set scores of 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, 14-25, and 20-18. Senior McKenzie Gruner led the team with a career-high 24 kills, helping Northern Michigan overcome three match points in the final set.

"Even though it wasn't our best Northern volleyball tonight, I couldn't be more proud of us for getting it done," Gruner said following the match. "There's nothing better than beating Tech in two fifth sets this year. Also, we're really happy with the turnout of the fans tonight. It was a great environment!"

Gruner surpassed her previous personal best by eight kills and finished with a .408 hitting percentage. She also contributed three blocks and several key points late in the match.

Setter Allie Barlow recorded 59 assists, marking her second-highest total in her career. Barlow has achieved her top three assist performances against Michigan Tech. Four Wildcats finished with double-digit kills: Gruner (24), Madison York (13), Kaysie Bakke (11), and Sydney Bartels (10).

On defense, Northern Michigan posted a season-high 97 digs and nine blocks. Liesl Haugen led with 28 digs, while Bartels added a career-best 17, Barlow had 16, and Remi Madison contributed a personal record of 13.

The Wildcats totaled 65 kills and had a .154 hitting percentage compared to Michigan Tech’s 57 kills on .177 hitting. The Huskies held an advantage in blocks at 13–9 and were led by Rachel Zurek (15 kills), Madelynn Kreider (47 assists), and Julia Fledderjohn (28 digs).

This win marks Northern Michigan’s fourth consecutive victory over Michigan Tech and their sixth straight regular-season win in the rivalry series. The result moves NMU to a tie for third place in GLIAC play at 7-3 as they continue to pursue home court advantage for postseason competition.

Fans can watch a replay of the match on Thursday, October 30 at 7 p.m. on FoxUP as part of the ‘VB in 60’ broadcast featuring Mark Evans and Dave Ellis.

Northern Michigan will play its next matches on the road against Roosevelt and Parkside this weekend.