Box Score SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- The Northern Michigan University volleyball team swept the Lake Superior State Lakers with scores of 25-21, 25-13 and 25-15. The win puts the Wildcats at 2-0 in the GLIAC and 2-4 overall.
Northern was able to carry the momentum from a huge comeback victory last night to propel them in today's match. The Wildcats and Lakers started out pretty even as LSSU was able to cling to a 12-11 lead to start. After a service error from the Lakers' Madison Castle, Lisa Studnicka went back to the service line and was able to keep serve through a 6-0 run to give NMU a 17-12 lead. This five point lead proved to be enough for the Wildcats as they were able to get several key side outs and cruise to a 25-21 opening set victory.
Lake Superior State was able to come out with an early lead once again in the second set with a small 6-5 advantage. From there it would be all Wildcats, however, as NMU went on an 11-2 run propelled by three Kayla Chosa kills and a pair of Meghan Supple service aces. Northern Michigan was able to close out the set quickly with a final of 25-13.
The Wildcats continued to show their dominance as NMU came out fast for the third set. Meghan Seymour had two aces and Supple added an ace herself to put NMU up 7-2 early. From there, the Wildcat defense was excellent by not allowing the Lakers to get on any runs and get back into the game. NMU eventually took the third set and the sweep by a final of 25-15.
"It was another good win for us," commented Head Coach Dominic Yoder. "It feels as if we are making significant progress and making key improvements with our young team. Blocking at the net was tremendous for us again. Bridget Bussell led us with five, while we had a tremendous offensive performance from Kayla Chosa and Lisa Studnicka. Both setters, Stacy Kalsbeek and Meghan Seymour, made great decisions running the offense. Off to Ohio for three important matches with non-conference Cedarville and conference foes in Lake Erie and Ashland."
Junior Lisa Studnicka and freshman Kayla Chosa each had double digit kills with 12 and 10, respectively. Junior libero Alex Berger had a game high 16 digs to lead NMU with sophomore Meghan Supple right behind her with 10 digs. At the net, NMU had nine blocks as a team lead by sophomore Bridget Bussell's four block assists and one block solo.
Northern Michigan will play three games on the road next weekend starting with a non-conference match-up with Cedarville Thursday, September 18th, for a 6 p.m. first serve. The Wildcats then continue GLIAC play with a match-up against Lake Erie Friday, September 19th at 7 p.m. and Ashland Saturday, September 20th at 2 p.m.
