MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University Volleyball team returned to the Vandament Arena this morning for its second game of the season and of the UP Open Tournament, to square off against the Hillsdale College Chargers. The Wildcats fell short to the Chargers, losing in straight sets (14-25, 19-25, 18-25).


FIRST SET 
The Chargers took the first couple points of the game, but Olivia Webber started off the Wildcats scoring with a missile of a spike. The two teams rallied back-and-forth and the 'Cats were forced to make a few big plays in order to take the points back. Hillsdale was able to keep their momentum, taking an 8-3 lead early in the set. 

As the Wildcats huddled together in the middle of the court for a mid-game pep talk, you could see the switch in energy. Rayne Thompson tossed up a spinner to force Hillsdale to return the perfect playmaking free ball. Evynn Layshock smashed down her first spike of the game, the 'Cats began to close in on the Chargers, 10-5. 

Northern took a timeout once the score hit 17-10 for the Chargers, as they hoped to close the gap. But Hillsdale continued to push the pace, and would eventually go on oto win the set 25-14. 


SECOND SET 
The crowd in the Vandament Arena began filling up as the second set started, giving the Wildcats the support they needed. 

Lauren Van Remortel continued to do what she does best and set up the front row with amazing assists that led to kills. Mckenzie Gurner was able to drop one with no recovery by the Chargers. The 'cats kept battled through, tightening the score to an 11-7 deficit. 

The 'Cats were resilient in their efforts to put points on the board, Meghan Meyer tipped a few sneaky ones to keep the team in the game. Intencity rose as the 'Cats bounced back, Mckenzie Gruner and Rayne Thompson threw up several massive blocks to push the score to 22-17 for the Chargers. 

Despite a nonstop grind from the Wildcats, the Chargers took set two by a score of 25-19. 


THIRD SET
The Wildcats started out the third set in full domination mode, showing signs of no let up. Mckenzie Gurner put up three consecutive kills, electrifying the arena with an early 7-1 lead. 

Although the Chargers had some big front row hitters, they were no match for Caylie Barlage's recovery skills, making due with everything she was handed. The Barlage, Van Remortel and Thompson trio continued to play tic tac toe, putting up points for the cats. 

Hillsdale fought back until the score was tied up at 12-12. But Remi Madison stepped in, demanding to show who was boss. Hitting down a spike that even a brick wall could not stop, taking the lead 14-13. 

Following a timeout, the 'Cats started off slow, but were able to stay in the game with a couple good serves by Caylie Barlage, 21-15 Hillsdale.

The Wildcats played hard until the very end, but Hillsdale secured the final set by a score of 25-18.

STAT LEADERS

• Mckenzie Gurner led the team in total kills with seven. Three of those were back to back in the third set. 
• Lauren Van Remortel continued her consistent assist streak with 20. 
• Get your shovels out because Caylie Barlarge is digging! A total of 24 digs in the game. 

UP NEXT
The Wildcats return to the Vandament Arena again tonight, Sept 1 for a 7p.m. game against Concordia University St. Paul. Let's fill the stands today and cheer on the 'Cats in their third game of the UP open!