N.M.U. Volleyball falls to Ashland, Ending Season
Courtesy: NMU Athletics
ASHLAND, Ohio- The Northern Michigan volleyball team was unable to
overcome a slow start, falling to Ashland University 3-0 (16-25, 10-25,
22-25) Thursday (Nov. 10) in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference Quarterfinal.
The loss ends the Wildcats season with NMU finishing at 15-14 overall and 12-7 in the GLIAC. The Eagles improve to 15-12 overall and will face Ferris State in the GLIAC Tournament semifinals. The win also gives Ashland the season sweep over NMU, with the ‘Cats being swept in both matches.
Ashland led the entire first set, from start to finish. The ‘Cats kept
the set close until the midway point, when the Eagles broke free behind a strong service performance by Kate Eckels.
The second set was dominated by the Eagles, as Ashland captured nine
straight points to take a 15-point, 24-9 lead. Ashland was able to jump
out to a commanding lead and set win after the ‘Cats committed six errors out of seven straight points.
NMU grabbed its first lead of the match, starting the third set with an
early 8-7 lead before Ashland was able to tie the set at 8-8 and take
three straight points and the lead. The ‘Cats played tough throughout the set, staying close with the Eagles up to the midway point before Ashland grabbed the lead for good and never looked back.
The ‘Cats were led offensively by senior left side hitter Emma Wolfe. The senior closed out her collegiate career with nine kills in the match.
Junior setter Abby Lovell established the offensive attack with 23
assists.
Defensively, junior libero Kalin Zimmerman led the defensive front with 13 digs.