Huskies go unbeaten at Crossover for first time in program history

INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 24-ranked Michigan Tech volleyball team defeated Cedarville 3-1 and swept Illinois Springfield Saturday at the 12th annual Midwest Region Crossover to finish 3-0 at the tournament for the first time in program history.

The Huskies wrapped up nonconference play with an 8-3 record after winning their fourth and fifth straight matches. The Black and Gold also recorded the 10th sweep of the season and improved to 16-4 overall.

"We're certainly happy to have come out of the weekend with three wins," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "All three were hard fought and well played, and I am so proud of this team and the toughness they showed in Indy."

The nation's largest collegiate volleyball tournament was held at the Academy Volleyball Club in Indianapolis.

Tech 3, Cedarville 1

The Huskies won the morning match 25-16, 25-19, 23-25, and 25-21 over Cedarville who was the GMAC's No. 3 seed.

"I thought we did a great job executing at the pins and behind the service line and really kept pressure on their backcourt," added Jennings.

Olivia Ghormley had a match-high 22 kills while adding 12 digs defensively. MacAulay Petersen (15) and Rachel Ping (10) also hit double-digit kills. Laura De Marchi set the offense with 47 assists while adding three blocks. Anna Jonynas and Megan Utlak led the defense with 14 digs, and Grace Novotny had four service aces.

"Mac and Olivia scored a ton of big points for us and both Grace and Anna came up huge with their serves," said Jennings. "Ping was clutch for us as well. We hung in when they pressed us and came up with a tough win."

Tech 3, Illinois Springfield 0

Tech swept the Prairie Stars with scores 25-17, 25-19, and 25-23 and joined GLIAC teams Ashland, Davenport, Parkside, and Lake Superior State who also went undefeated on the weekend. UIS was the No. 7 seed out of the GLVC.

Ghormley again led the attack with 22 kills, hitting the 20-kill mark for the sixth time this season. Petersen added 10 kills and De Marchi tallied 44 assists and 12 digs. Megan Utlak racked up 23 digs, tying her season-high.

"Olivia was outstanding in this one. In a way, she carried our offense through to the end of that match," Jennings said. "Laura once again proved that she is an elite level setter and did a great job finding the hot hand. Megan was on point all weekend, both defensively and in serve/receive. We were the aggressors from the start of the first set, and I am very pleased with the way we finished the weekend."

The Huskies have seven matches remaining in the regular season and return to GLIAC play next weekend against South Division opponents at Parkside Friday and Purdue Northwest Saturday.