NMU V-ball swept by Hillsdale to end regular season
The Northern Michigan volleyball team dropped its final
regular season match this afternoon (Nov. 6) at Vandament Arena, 3-0
(25-22, 25-10, 25-22) to No. 8 Hillsdale.
With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 15-13 overall and 12-7 in the Great
Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Chargers improve to 24-2
overall and 18-1 in the GLIAC.
NMU started the match in exciting fashion, taking an 11-9 lead before
Hillsdale responded with two straight points to force a tie. The ‘Cats
would regain a one-point lead before the Chargers would go on to take four
straight points and never look back, fending off a late rally from the
‘Cats.
The Chargers controlled the entire second set, from start to finish.
Hillsdale jumped out to an early 19-10 lead behind the guidance of Ashlee
Crowder and mistakes by the NMU offensive attack. The Chargers would go on to take the next six points and a 2-0 lead into the break.
Hillsdale appeared to be in prime position to take another set in
dominating fashion jumping out to a 19-12 lead. The ‘Cats then strung
together a big rally, getting within one point of the Chargers at 22-21,
however the Charger combination of Clara Leutheuser and setter Apryl
Schumker guided Hillsdale to a third set and match victory.
The ‘Cats were led offensively by sophomore left side hitter Lina Lopes.
The sophomore had 10 kills and had a team best .400 attack percentage.
Junior setter Abby Lovell established the offensive threat with 28
assists. Defensively, junior libero Kalin Zimmerman led the defensive front with nine digs.
NMU will compete on the road in the GLIAC Tournament next week, with the
opponent and date to be determined.