Volleyball Ends Road Schedule With Win at Grand Valley

ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team picked up an important 3-1 win over Grand Valley State Saturday (Oct. 29) in its final road match of the regular season. With the win, the Huskies moved into a two-way tie for third place in the GLIAC standings with a 7-5 record.

"I couldn't be more proud of the way our team toughed out today's match," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "That was a huge win. Not only does it have implications on the conference standings, it rewards this group for all their hard work and sacrifices this season. To end our grueling road schedule with a win at Grand Valley feels so good."

Tech, now 12-13 overall, won the first set 25-19 before the Lakers evened it up 25-15. The Huskies then closed out the match with 25-21 and 25-22 wins in the sets three and four.

Stephanie Dietrich continued her strong play over the weekend with 10 kills and three block assists. She hit .474 to put her season hitting percentage at .328—good for fifth in the conference. Aubrey Ficek had a team-high 14 kills and added seven digs. MacAulay Petersen and Lauren Emmert added six kills each.

Rachel Pohlod setup the offense with 38 assists and added 15 digs. Elle Heinonen had her fourth 20-dig match of the season with 24. Halie Hart added 11 digs.

"Stephanie continues to score at an incredible rate and is playing great ball right now," added Jennings. "Our blocking was solid for us, led by Lauren and Mariah. Elle and Halie came up with some clutch digs down the stretch that put us in a position to win. Rachel was, once again, a difference maker for us defensively, at the service line and of course, with her setting."

The Huskies finish the season at the SDC Gym, beginning Tuesday against Northern Michigan. Match time is set for 6:30 p.m.—a half hour earlier than previously scheduled. Tech also hosts Northwood and Hillsdale next weekend.

"We are in a good position here with the final five regular season matches at home," said Jennings. "With NMU coming to town on Tuesday, we're looking forward to getting a little revenge. Our team is ready for the rematch, and we're looking forward to some great support from our fans."