UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — The Northern Michigan volleyball team was downed by Saginaw Valley State, 3-1, Saturday afternoon at the Cardinal Gymnasium in front of 573 fans.

"It was a tough loss; the team fought until the end," head coach Dominic Yoder said. "We're going to get ready this week for the last regular season road trip."

The Wildcats took the first set, 25-19, but the Cardinals rebounded and took the next three by 25-18, 26-24 and 25-22 margins.

In the first set, Lisa Studnicka had four of her five service aces in the match. In the second, the Cardinals used a 6-0 run while ahead 10-8 to put the set out of reach.

In the hard-fought third set, Northern Michigan and Saginaw Valley State traded points throughout until the Cardinals were able to win the last six points.

The fourth set was also close as the teams traded points until the Cardinals went on a 6-3 run to seal their 3-1 victory and snap the Wildcats' three-game winning streak.

Offensively, Northern Michigan were led by Maggie Liebeck, who finished with 14 kills and a .323 hitting percentage. Jami Hogeboom recorded 44 assists while Alex Berger posted 25 digs.

"Maggie had a great performance in three sets, filling in on the left side," Yoder said. "Berger put in another great effort defensively."

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 19-9 (8-8 GLIAC). They return to action when they travel to Lake Superior State Friday at 4 p.m.