Huskies defeat Findlay for Jennings’ 200th win

HAMMOND, Ind. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team wrapped up its weekend at the 15th annual Midwest Regional Crossover Tournament with a 3-2 win over Findlay Saturday (Oct. 15) at the Hammond SportsPlex. The Huskies picked up their fourth win in their last five, 13-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-15, and 15-13. The victory also marked win number 200 for Michigan Tech Head Coach Matt Jennings.

"What a big win for these Huskies! Coming back like that in the fifth set was more than impressive, it was gutsy and inspiring," Jennings said. "It goes to show you just can't give up, you play to the very end. Findlay is a very good team that can really pour it on at the net and behind the line. For us to hang on and fight our way back was a reflection of our team's resolve and belief in one another. I'm beyond proud of this squad and can't wait to see us take the next step together next week."

After trailing 2-1 entering the fourth, the Huskies quickly jumped out to an 11-5 lead and used a couple of 5-1 runs to force a fifth set. Tech hit .394 in the fourth and got five kills from Meg Raabe and Kaycee Meiners and four from Lindy Oujiri.

Tech got down 7-2 early in the fifth and trailed 12-9. Kills by Kaycee Meiners and Lindy Oujiri sparked a comeback and the Huskies closed the match on a 6-1 run to take the victory. Meiners had an ace to get to match point and then Tess Hayes and Tricia Kennedy teamed up for the match-clinching block.

"Our serving was a big part of what kept us in the match," added Jennings. "Kaycee, Brooke, and Tess were especially strong and came through in the clutch. Lindy and Meg were taking big swings and scoring important points all match. Our middles continue to make us a more dynamic and well-rounded team.

"Our block was solid again today and did what it needed to slow down or stop what was an aggressive and strong attack from Findlay. Our backcourt met the moment and extended rallies in a major way."

Lindy Oujiri tallied a match-high 20 kills for the second straight match and hit .302. Meg Raabe (13) and Kaycee Meiners (10) also had double-digit kills. Tess Hayes set the attack with 51 assists and added 14 digs. Amelia Albers had a season-high 20 digs while Alayna Corwin (13) and Brooke Dzwik (10) also had over nine digs.

Tech is 9-11 overall and continues its three-and-a-half-week road trip at Saginaw Valley State and Wayne State next weekend to resume conference play.