MARQUETTE, Mich. — In its opening game of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play, the Northern Michigan volleyball team fell to Northwood, 3-1, Friday night at Vandament Arena in front of 276 fans.

After dropping a tight first set, 25-20, the Wildcats took the second in commanding fashion, 25-16. But the Timberwolves regrouped to win the next two, 25-23 and 25-14.

"The team executed our defensive game plan," head coach Dominic Yoder said. "There were just too many unforced errors. Northwood's left side attack was pretty dominate, but I thought we had a good counter to what they were trying to do offensively. We just need to be more consistent with our serve and our offensive attacking. We'll do better tomorrow."

Lisa Studnicka (11), Madison Whitehead (9) and Autumn Monsma (7) led Northern Michigan offensively. The Wildcats were hampered by a Northwood defense that totaled 13 blocks and forced a number of errors. 

As a team, Northern Michigan posted a .107 hitting percentage. The Wildcats also recorded 21 blocks.

Lynzi Svoboda led Northern Michigan with 13 assists and also totaled a game-high three service aces. Alex Berger (13) and Studnicka (10) reached the double digits in digs.

With the loss, which snapped their six-game winning streak, the Wildcats fall to 8-2 (0-1 GLIAC). The Timberwolves improve to 3-6 (1-0 GLIAC).

Northern Michigan will look to start a new winning streak tomorrow when it hosts Lake Superior State at 2 p.m.