MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University volleyball team handed Ferris State University its second loss in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Saturday (Nov. 2). The Wildcats took the match in three thrilling sets on Senior Day from Vandament Arena to improve to 18-7 overall and 11-2 in conference play. The set scores were 25-22, 27-25 and 26-24.

"The girls played very well tonight and this win certainly is a turning point for us in the season," stated head coach Dominic Yoder. "It's an emotional uplift for the team, especially after the loss last night.

In the first set, NMU held a five point lead (23-18) before the Bulldogs (17-6, 11-2 GLIAC) scored the next four points to lead by just one, 23-22. Despite FSU's efforts, the Wildcats held its ground to close out the set on a kill and service ace by senior Kalli Herron.

The second set comprised of nine ties and NMU led the entire set with the exception of two times. The second time was when FSU went up 25-24 to try to take the set. However, a kill by senior Lina Lopes tied the score at 25. The Wildcats took the 27-25 set victory on Herron's serve after a ball handling error on the Bulldogs and a kill by Lopes.

In the third set, it seemed to be FSU's game, leading 18-10 at one point. But, the 'Cats made it a four point game with in moments (24-20), forcing six set points on the Bulldogs. On senior Kellisha Harley's serve, she notched two service aces, FSU had two ball handling errors and Herron closed out the set on two kills to take the match.

"Our seniors in general for us tonight were the key," added Yoder. "For us to be able to come back and play like they did in the end is huge.

Lopes led NMU on 19 kills, with Herron adding 10 and senior Sarah Hamilton with seven. As a team, the Wildcats had 50 kills for a .190 attack percentage. Sophomore Alex Berger led the defense with 18 digs and Lopes added 12. Harley ended the game with 42 assists.

The Bulldogs were led by Courtney Rehm with 12 kills and Angi Kent contributed with eight. FSU finished with 38 total kills for a .213 attack percentage. Brandi Merren had 13 digs and Megan VanderMeer added 10. Stephanie Sikorski set up the offense with 34 assists.

Seniors Kellisha Harley, Sarah Hamilton, Lina Lopes, Kalli Herron and Suzanne Solin were honored before Sunday's game for senior day. The Wildcats close out regular season home play on Tuesday (Nov. 5) against Michigan Technological University at 7 p.m.

# # # NMU # # #