MARQUETTE, Mich. - Northern Michigan University volleyball picked up their first win of the season in a five set comeback victory.  Northwood took the first couple sets 25-22 and 27-25 before the Wildcats took the final three 26-24, 29-27 and 15-6.

The match started out even as the two teams jostled to a 7-7 tie in the first set.  Northwood was able to take the first big lead when the Timberwolves went on a 10-1 run as the Wildcats struggled to break the serve of Jaclyn Kimmet.  Kimmet would end up with two aces during the Timberwolf run.  The teams then cruised to a 22-16 Northwood lead when Madison Whitehead helped lead NMU to a 6-0 run and tie the game.  Whitehead had a pair of aces herself to propel the Wildcats.  Northwood answered, however, as they restarted their offense up to finish the game with a 3-0 run via two kills and an ace putting the final for set one at 25-22.

Northwood was able to come out quick riding the momentum of the first set by jumping out to a fast 9-1 lead.   Serve receive continued to struggle as the Timberwolves had three aces during the run.  NMU wasn't going to let Northwood run away with it, however, as they started a 7-1 streak of their own with Stacy Kalsbeek at the service line bringing the game back to 10-8 Northwood.  The Wildcats continued their comeback and chipped away at the Timberwolf lead.   Eventually NMU was able to tie the set up at 15-15 taking advantage of some Northwood hitting errors and a Meghan Seymour ace.  After a little back and forth play NMU was able to continue to play well and took the lead at 17-16 on an Alex Berger ace.  The lead wouldn't last long, unfortunately, as the teams battled back and forth and traded the lead three times putting the game at 22-21 Northwood.   The Wildcats held tough and were able to hold the Timberwolves off from set point and brought the game to a 24-24 tie.  NMU then held off another chance for Northwood to finish the set at 25-24 to bring the game to a 25-25 tie.  Northwood was able to finish the game two points later at 27-25, though, and take the 2-0 set lead.

The third set would be no different than the first two sets as it started out to an 8-8 stand still.  NMU was able to take the first advantage going on an 8-3 run to put the Wildcats up 16-12.  The Wildcats would hold onto the lead to a score of 22-17.  From there Northwood went on a 6-1 run to bring the game to a 23-23 draw.  NMU wouldn't be able to take the set in their first opportunity at 24-23, but at 24-24 a pair of Madison Whitehead kills brought the set to a close at 26-24.

NMU used the momentum from the previous set win to jump out to an early 5-0 lead drawing a Northwood timeout.  At 10-4 NMU, Northwood made their move through a 7-2 run that brought the game to 12-11, forcing a Wildcat timeout.  The timeout wouldn't kill any of the Northwood momentum, however, as the Timberwolves went on a 5-1 run following the time out pulling them ahead 16-13 and the Wildcats were forced to use their second timeout.  This time out worked out much better as the Wildcats were able to go on a 6-3 run to tie the game up at 19-19.  The two teams went back and forth with ties at 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 before NMU used an Alex Berger ace and Alex Larsen kill to end the set at 29-27 and force a winner take all set five.

The Wildcats came out for the final stanza once again as they forced a Northwood timeout after starting the set 4-0.  This small four point advantage proved to be the difference in the entire set as NMU refused to let the Timberwolves back into the set and cruised to a 15-6 win.

Sophomore Alex Larsen had a game high 15 kills in the victory with junior Lisa Studnicka right behind her at 13.  Freshman Meghan Seymour finished the match with 29 kills and junior Stacy Kalsbeek with 17 assists.  Junior libero Alex Berger dominated in the back row with a game high 28 digs.  At the service line, freshman Madison Whitehead led the way with four aces.

"We had an unbelievable serving and blocking effort tonight," commented Head Coach Dominic Yoder after the thrilling victory.  "Sophomore Anna Aycock and freshmen Kayla Chosa and Madison Whitehead were outstanding at the net tonight. Juniors Alex Larsen and Lisa Studnicka chipped in quality offense from the left side for us.  Alex Berger once again put on a digging clinic with her 28 digs.  Extremely proud of the fight from our young team tonight.  On to Sault Ste. Marie to take on the Lakers."

Northern Michigan looks to ride the momentum of their first victory when they travel to take on Lake Superior State University tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 13, with first serve at 3 p.m.