Tech Volleyball beats Hillsdale in 5 sets
Courtesy of MTU Athletics
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech dominated the first two sets (25-17, 25-12) but would need all five (21-25, 17-25, 15-13) to defeat Hillsdale Saturday (Nov. 3) in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference volleyball action.
“This by far is the biggest win of the season for us,” said head coach Matt Jennings. “We came out strong and had a very balanced attack throughout the match. Maddie led a great offense tonight, which allowed several of our players to contribute.
“I think this is one of those wins where a young group finally has what it needs to believe in their abilities, the system and that they can be consistent contender in the league. I am so proud of them.”
Shelby Jones<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/wvball/2012-13/bios/jones%20shelby00.html>recorded a double-double for the second straight match finishing with 19 kills and 14 digs. She hit .216, second best on the team, and made one
block.
Sylvie Rokosh<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/wvball/2012-13/bios/SylvieRokosh>tallied 17 kills, four digs and two blocks. Aubrey Havlicheck recorded 12 kills, and Jacqueline Aird<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/wvball/2012-13/bios/JacquelineAird> dug a match-high 28 digs.
Madeline Haben<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/wvball/2012-13/bios/haben%20madeline00.html>notched a match-high 51 assists, 14 digs and seven kills with one error.
The Huskies dominated the opening set both offensively and defensively. Tech recorded 12 kills in the set to Hillsdale’s eight. Tech blocked five balls, and Hillsdale made 10 attack errors.
The Black and Gold improved upon its .276 hitting percentage by hitting .278 in the second and recorded three of its four service aces.
Behind the strength of five blocks, Hillsdale hit .267 to win the third, and Tech committed 13 errors in the fourth to force a fifth set.
Neither team would lead by more than two points in the final frame. Tech prevailed by a near flawless attack in which they hit a match-high .312 with 12 kills and two errors on 32 attacks.
Tech finished with advantages in kills (61-44), assists (59-44) and digs (77-74).
Tech hosts Lake Superior State Friday (Nov. 9).