Volleyball Cruises to Big Win vs. Malone

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Aubrey Ficek, Sylvie Rokosh and Rachel Pohlod combined for 29 kills and Jacqueline Aird had a game-high 18 digs as the Michigan Tech volleyball team cruised to a straight-set victory over Malone today (Oct. 10) at the SDC Gym.

The 3-0 win today capped a two-game weekend sweep and upped the Huskies' set record during wins to 42-2.

Tech improved progressively throughout the match, winning 25-16, 25-15 and 25-13 while hitting .200, .333 and .467 in sets one, two and three, respectively.

"I'm very happy with how we played today and am proud of the unselfishness of our team," said head coach Matt Jennings. "We got output from a lot of people, which is important as we move forward. Dietrich, Ficek and Pohlod were all really good again tonight. Aird seemed to be in the zone for most of the day as she was always one step ahead of the attack. Rokosh was solid as well and did exactly what we needed her to do."

After starting slowly in the opening set, Michigan Tech eventually found its game and turned a tight set into a 20-12 advantage en route to the 25-16 win.

The Huskies carried their strong play into the beginning of the second set and, following a slight lull midway through, opened a big 16-9 edge and rolled to a 25-15 win. Rokosh clinched the set with a kill that fell between two Malone defenders.

The third and final set – Michigan Tech's best of the night – started with the Huskies building a solid 12-5 lead behind big kills from Rokosh, Noelle Eveland and Courtney Kurkie. Aubrey Havlichek ended the match with a kill from the right side.

Pohlod notched 37 assists in the contest and added 14 digs. Stephanie Dietrich turned in seven kills and a pair of blocks, while the Huskies had six aces as a team – including two by Elle Heinonen. 

Michigan Tech (14-4 overall; 6-3 GLIAC) heads to Aurora, Ill., next weekend (Oct. 16-17) to play in the GLIAC/GLVC Crossover. Tech's opponents will be announced this week.