Bulldogs Sweep Minnesota, Crookston In Invitational Finale

Three players registered eight kills apiece as the Ferris State University women's volleyball team defeated Minnesota, Crookston, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-22) to close out its action at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Mich.

The win by Ferris State in the non-conference matchup at FSU's Ewigleben Sports Arena improved the Bulldogs' overall record to 3-2 this season to date. 

Senior middle hitter Sarah Lark (Alma), junior middle hitter Arielle Goodson (Grand Rapids/Central), and sophomore outside hitter Ashley Huntey (Stanwood/Morley-Stanwood) all tallied a team-high eight kills each to pace Ferris State.  Lark, who posted a .583 attack percentage in the match, also was named to the Ferris State Invitational All-Tournament team for the second consecutive season.  Setter Samantha Fordyce (DeWitt), a redshirt freshman, produced a match-high 34 assists to help key the win. 

On the defensive end, sophomore libero Lisa Tobiczyk (Marysville) dug up 10 balls and had a squad-best three service aces while Ashley Huntey added six digs as the Bulldogs matched the Golden Eagles in digs with 28 apiece.  In blocking, Arielle Goodson led the way with five blocks (four block assists) and Sarah Lark chipped in with four blocks (all assists). 

Ferris State generated a .216 hitting percentage while holding the Golden Eagles to a .060 attack percentage.  The Bulldogs also dominated play at the net with 8.5 blocks compared to Minnesota Crookston's 2.0 team total.

In the first set, Ferris State tallied the last three points as part of an 11-7 scoring run as the Bulldogs hit at a .261 clip with 12 kills in 23 attempts.

FSU continued to apply offensive pressure in the second stanza with an impressive .367 hitting percentage.  The Bulldogs, who had 16 kills in 30 chances for the second set, held as much as a 12-point on two occasions in the later stage of the set.

Following the break, the two teams sea sawed back and forth with 11 scoring ties and three lead changes.  With the third set tied at 19-all, a kill by senior middle hitter Kristy Gilchrist (Macomb/Anchor Bay) gave the Bulldogs a lead they would never relinquish.  Minnesota Crookston was able to draw within a point (23-22), but a Sarah Lark kill followed by a Golden Eagles' attack error sealed the visitor's fate. 

FSU returns to the court next weekend, Sept. 4-5, at the St. Cloud (Minn.) State Tournament.  The Bulldogs open the tournament versus Upper Iowa next Friday (Sept. 4) in a 10 a.m. (EDT) match before going up against nationally sixth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney later in the day at 4:30 p.m. (EDT).