MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University volleyball team took the court against fellow Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) rival, Lake Superior State University on Friday evening. 

The match went to three sets, ending in a Wildcat win. 

SET ONE

The 'Cats opened up the first set with a kill from outside hitter Jacqueline Smith, giving them the first point of the match. The Lakers quickly came back, putting up five points in a row. 

The Wildcats rallied back from the deficit, bringing the score to 9-9. 

The match went back-and-forth as both teams continued to throw down points. With a 17-17 tie, NMU looked to take the first set, putting up four points in a row as part of a 6-0 run.

Lizzy Stark kicked off the run with a block and a Caylie Barlage service ace ended it. 

The 'Cats closed out the set with a kill from Meghan Meyer and a Madeline Crowley service ace to secure the 25-19 win.

SET TWO 

The Second set told a similar story to the first, as both teams exchanged points until the score hit 9-9. 

LSSU took a small lead following the tied point of the game, but the 'Cats reacted quickly bringing the score to 16-15 for the Wildcats after a 6-1 run. NMU never trailed again in the set.

With five straight points to end the game, the 'Cats were able to win the set 25-19. 

SET THREE

Big kills from outside hitter Stark and middle blocker Olivia Webber gave NMU a big lead at the start of the third set. 

The 'Cats outstanding attacking and receiving skills led them to 11 unanswered points, taking an 11-0 lead early in the match winning set. 

The crowd in the Vandement Arena screamed as NMU built on the large lead, with all the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. 

Eight points away from the win, Smith recovered an attack from the Lakers with her foot, allowing the 'Cats to recover the ball and earn a point on a Stark kill, bringing them to a score of 18-4. 

All the stars were aligned for the Wildcats in today's match as they took the match with a 25-8 third set. 

STAT LEADERS

Big hitters for a big win: Lizzy Stark and Jacqueline Smith each put up double digit kills in today's match, with 14 for Stark and 12 for Smith. 

Middle blocker Meghan Meyer also put up 9 kills for the 'Cats and an attack percentage of .467. The percentage was her second best of the year.

Libero Caylie Barlage tallied a team-high 20 digs and three service aces.

Lauren Van Remortel had a total of 37 assists in today's match, helping the team to their big win. 

UP NEXT

Tomorrow, the Wildcats will take on another GLIAC rival at home. Northwood University travels to Marquette for a 2 p.m. Senior Day match and the final Wildcat volleyball home match of the year.