Tech wins seventh straight with comeback at Northwood

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team came back for a 3-1 win at Northwood Friday (Oct. 4) night at Riepma Arena. The Huskies improved to 11-3 overall and 6-0 in the GLIAC and now turn to a big match Saturday at No. 16 Ferris State.

"We showed a lot of resolve tonight," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "Northwood started the match playing very well and caught us a little flat-footed and slow on defense. We put that first one behind us and went out in set two composed and focused on executing our system one point at a time. From there, we began to find our rhythm and take control of the match. I am super proud of the way we fought and stuck together as a unit."

Northwood (4-9, 4-2 GLIAC) won the first set 25-22, leading from the onset. Both teams hit over .300 in the frame with MacAulay Petersen for the Huskies and Mackenzie Kepler for the Timberwolves each tallying six kills.

The Huskies got down by five early in the second but quickly tied it back up at nine. There were five ties in the second before Tech scored seven straight points to take a 22-17 lead. Anna Jonynas and Petersen had kills in two of the final three points as Tech won 25-21 to tie the match.

Tech led all of set three and went on to win 25-21 after taking 11 of the final 16 points. Olivia Ghormley got going in the third with five kills while Jonynas dug up seven balls.

The Black and Gold closed out the match with a commanding 25-17 win in the fourth. Megan Utlak served the Huskies to seven straight points and a 9-2 lead. Ghormley had the final point in the match while tallying five kills in the fourth. Petersen also had five kills.

"Mac and Olivia were really strong at the pins again tonight and piled up a bunch of important kills," added Jennings. "They each served tough at big moments in the match as well, as did Megan and Janie. Rachel was very impressive on the offensive side of the ball and was a real spark for us. She's been playing like you want your seniors to be playing, clutch and with confidence."

Petersen and Ghormley each had a match-high 17 kills and Petersen hit a blistering .484. Rachel Ping added a season-high 10 kills and three block assists. Laura De Marchi racked up 55 assists, 10 digs, and three block assists. Megan Utlak (18), Jonynas (16), and Grace Novotny (11) also had double-digit digs.

"It wasn't a totally clean win, but we stayed tough and took care of business," Jennings said. "Now we can turn our focus onto Ferris State. We're ready."

Tech travels to Big Rapids for a showdown with the Bulldogs Saturday at 3 p.m. FSU swept Northern Michigan Friday to improve to 11-3 overall and 5-1 in the GLIAC.