GVSU volleyball defeats Northern Michigan 3-1

Less than 24 hours after their comeback win against Michigan Technological University, the Grand Valley State volleyball team (8-7, 5-2 GLIAC) took to the court again to face the Northern Michigan Wildcats (11-4, 5-2 GLIAC) Saturday, Sept. 30, at the GVSU Fieldhouse.

The Lakers kept the momentum from the night before, defeating the Wildcats in four sets by a 3-1 final result. Junior middle blocker Staci Brower led the game with 17 kills to provide offense for the Lakers near the net.

Although Northern Michigan’s tall and athletic front line provided more blocks (13), kills (55) assists (53) and digs (68), the Lakers battled back with a strong performance on the serving side, landing 11 aces, compared to the Wildcats’ four. Lakers Sydney Doby, Sydney Benchley and Kaylene Norris each led the team with three aces apiece.

The Lakers started the first set down 7-1 to the Wildcats but answered back with five straight points to give them momentum and finish the set on top 25-23. 

However, Northern Michigan went on a 8-5 run in the second set for a 21-16 lead the Lakers couldn’t overcome, as the Wildcats took the set 25-19.

The Lakers took control of the match, coming out hot for a 25-21 third-set victory and a nail-biting 25-23 final fourth set to seal the victory. Standouts for the Lakers were Doby (10 kills, four blocks); Katie Olson (27 assists); and defensive specialist Norris (three aces, eight digs).

The Lakers will head on the road to face GLIAC opponents Ferris State (13-2, 7-0 GLIAC) Friday, Oct. 6, and Northwood University (8-7, 2-5 GLIAC) Saturday, Oct 7.

GVSU cross country competes at Greater Louisville Classic

The Grand Valley State men’s and women’s cross country teams hit the road to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete at the Greater Louisville Classic Saturday, Sept. 30. 

The No. 2 ranked men’s team competed against mostly Division I programs but still found success, finishing ninth overall with a team time of 2:02:59.89. Senior Wuoi Mach was the Lakers’ top runner, finishing as the best Division II runner and ninth overall with a time of 23:40.85.

The men’s team had six runners finish in the top 10, including freshman Enae Woldemichael (24:30.50), junior Sean Fontana (24:52.69), freshman Abe Visser (24:56.19), senior Brady Selner (24:59.66) and senior Trevor Sharnas (24:59.68).

The women’s team finished with a team time of 1:28:54.84, enough to finish with the best time in Division II and 16th best overall time. Sophomore Allie Judge came in first among Division II runners with a time of 17:33.25.

Other Laker finishers included sophomore Stacey Metzger (17:43.04), senior Kelly Haubert (17:51.75), freshman Madison Goen (17:52.67) and junior Gina Patterson (17:54.13).

The cross country teams will continue their schedule at the Lansing Invitational and the Conference Crossover Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct.7.