OWENSBORO, Ky. - The NMU Women's Volleyball team hit the court against the host team the Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers this afternoon for their second game of the day while competing in the Kentucky Wesleyan Tournament.
Set One
The Wildcats came out hot in the opening serve of the game. Lauren Van Remortel set up two serves, absolutely denying the Panthers any chance for success. The Panthers quickly came back with two points making the score all square in the first few plays of the match.
A quick-paced first set had the Wildcats and the Panthers going back-and-forth point-for-point putting the score at 12-12. Attacker Lizzy Stark dominated the net putting up four big kills to help push the Wildcats' lead. As the gap widened in favor of NMU Angelina Negron, sent a missile of a spike over the net that was unrecoverable for the Panthers, 20-15.
The 'Cats took full control of the opening set of the game, with Meghan Meyer closing out the set with a solid kill and the momentum carrier for the rest of the game.
First set final score 25-18.
Set Two
Wildcat Juniors Jacqueline Smith and Meghan Meyer started the second set on fire, producing three unanswered kills. The Panthers began to crawl back into the game making the score 7-2. The Panthers were no match for Angelina Negron's spike that could be described as "faster than the speed of light."
The intensity increased as the Panthers put up a few kills in the hope to come back into the game, bringing the score 14-14 at the midway point of the second set. Lauren Van Remortel and Jacqueline Smith could be seen digging the ball from absolutely anywhere, keeping the Wildcats in the game.
Steady serves by Caylie Barlage helped the 'Cats take the lead once again in the closing plays of the set 18-16.
Tensions were high on the court as the points continued to go back and forth, making the score 22-22 with the need for a two-point lead to win the set. Jacqueline Smith carried the 'Cats to the bitter end with two undeniable serves and a big kill to secure the set for the team, 25-22.
Set Three
The Panthers were able to secure the first point of the third set but NMU had something to say about that. Ania Hyatt added two perfectly placed kills to the board, bringing the score to 5-3 in favor of the 'Cats.
As the Panthers ground to recover a lead, they were no match for the versatile Van Remortel and Smith duo. Jacqueline Smith sent one over the net keeping the Panthers at bay with their 12-9 lead.
Capitalizing on the errors of the Panthers, the 'Cats extended their lead 16-12. The Wildcats danced around the court recovering any ball that came their way. Caylie Barlage set the 'Cats up for success as she made four greatly executed serves, carrying the lead 21-15.
Maddie Crowley stepped in to take the final serves of the game, and to win the match for the 'Cats, producing picture-perfect serves, extending the lead, and winning the set 25-16.
The Wildcats took all three sets with ease, winning the game 3-0.
Stat Leaders
Jacqueline Smith produced 12 kills in the match.
Angelina Negron put up a perfect attack percentage, going four for four.
Caylie Barlage posted four vital service aces.
Ali Yacko dug down deep with a total of 12 digs.
Up Next
The Northern Michigan University Volleyball team takes the court again tomorrow, Saturday, Sept 3, for two more tournament games. The first game will take place at 11 a.m. CST against the Tiffin University Dragons. Followed by their second game at 3 p.m. CST against the William Jewell College Cardinals. The Wildcats look to sweep the weekend at the Kentucky Wesleyan Tournament.
