Tech wins fifth straight with another sweep at SVSU

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – No. 22 Michigan Tech earned a sweep of Saginaw Valley State for the second day in a row Saturday (Mar. 20). The Huskies won 25-17, 25-20, and 25-11 to earn their fifth straight win and improve to 7-1 overall.

"I'm very pleased with the way the whole weekend unfolded," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "Our offense was strong throughout, especially when we were out of system. We continue to make progress on defense which is translating into more vital offensive opportunities. Our block did a good job settling in and came up with some clutch points. Our serving game was on point again today which really makes a difference for us on the defensive side of things."

Tech trailed 16-14 in the opening set before closing on an 11-1 run to take the lead. Laura De Marchi's serving fueled the run. Olivia Ghormley had two kills and Janie Grindland also had a solo block. Jillian Kuizenga had a pair of kills during the streak and a solo block. She had two of the final four points.

The teams battled through nine ties in the second set. Tied at 19, Anna Jonynas had a pair of kills along with one by Morgan Radtke. SVSU committed four errors down the stretch to give Tech a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

In the third, Megan Utlak and Maggie Petersen served the Huskies to an 11-3 lead. Blocking by Jillian Kuizenga, Janie Grindland, and Morgan Radtke kept the Cardinal offense in check. Coach Jennings was able to work in Kaycee Meiners and Sarah Knoll and Janie Grindland had the match-sealing kill.

As a team, Tech hit over .300 in all three sets and .341 for the match while limiting SVSU to .043.

Laura De Marchi set the offense with 32 assists. Anna Jonynas had a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs. Jillian Kuizenga and Olivia Ghormley had eight kills each. Morgan Radtke (7 kills) and Janie Grindland (4 kills) also contributed offensively.

"Laura's ability to keep us in system is such a difference-maker for us and it showed again this weekend. She creates so many opportunities," added Jennings. "Our pins were very strong today. Jill made good work of the swings she took, same with Olivia and Anna. Anna took a ton of really tough shots all weekend.

"Morgan and Janie were especially efficient in today's match, Laura did a good job finding them at the right times."

Megan Utlak has had double-digit digs every match this season and tied a match-high with 10. Grace Novotny (9 digs) and Maggie Petersen (6 digs) also provided back row depth.

The Huskies continue their four-match road trip at Grand Valley State next weekend (Mar. 26-27).