MARQUETTE, Mich. - The NMU Volleyball team took on the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Lakers and claimed the match 3-0.
SET ONE
The Lakers opened up the set with a kill. After Grand Valley pulled through to the lead, a bad set and a well-placed kill by Jacqueline Smith tied the set up at two.
NMU and GVSU rallied and brought the tie to five. A wired connection from Caylie Barlage placed Lizzy Stark up for a kill and the 'Cats took the lead. A service error from the Lakers claimed NMU another point and brought the team to earn three.
The Wildcats carried the lead, but the Lakers retaliated and tied the set up at 13. The teams continued to volley, while Smith and Meyer earned points for the 'Cats.
Stark brought the set to a point and an ace by Alli Yacko secured the set.
The wildcats took it 25-23.
SET TWO
A will-positioned kill by Smith opened up the set for the 'Cats, but the Lakers quickly answered back.
Grand Valley State gained their momentum and found themselves with the lead 7-3. A block by the Freshmen, Gruner and Thompson, brought the 'Cats back into the game. Stark followed with a kill and the score was at 5-7.
Meyer brought the team to 6-7, but a side out from the Lakers kept them in the lead.
Stark and Meyer rallied for the team and brought the score and the lead to the 'Cats, 11-10.
As the crowd became electric, Lauren Van Remortel positioned Smith to make her 14th, 15th, and 16th kills of the night. The score was now 15-13.
The Lakers came back from a deficit to take the lead 19-18. The 'Cats answered once again and brought the set to a tie at 20. A block by Meghan Meyer gave the 'Cats the lead.
The Lakers called a timeout, but could not keep up with the 'Cats. NMU took the second 25-23.
SET THREE
The Lakers opened the set with a major run and brought the score to 1-4. A kill by McKenzie Gruner brought the 'Cats to two.
GVSU continued to climb, and brought the score to 4-8. Lauren Van Remortel posted a kill on the night to bring the score to 5-8.
With the Lakers still in the lead, Van Remortel earned another point by tipping it over the net and earning the serve. Rayne Thompson absolutely hammered it across the net to lessen the deficit to 8-14.
After surpassing 1000 points Lizzy Stark went on a streak and tallied three. Caylie Barlage followed with an ace. The score was 12-17, still in favor of the Lakers.
Grand Valley called a timeout but did not throw Meghan Meyer off. She tallied two.
With the score at 17-20, Van Remortel put it over the net, and Rayne Thompson put a stop to the Lakers and blocked the ball.
Smith squared the set and earned another to bring the set to 21-20.
Thompson had an electric block and brought the 'Cats to match point. Grand Valley could not retaliate and NMU took the third 25-21.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Lizzy Stark surpassed 1000 kills and posted 15 kills on the night.
Jacqueline Smith was one shy of her Career High and claimed 22 kills on the night.
Rayne Thompson tallied two blocks and Caylie Barlage earned two service aces.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats will take on the Davenport University Panthers tomorrow, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m.
