Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally 23rd-ranked Ferris State University women's volleyball team wrapped up action in the Peggy Martin Challenge hosted by the University of Central Missouri with a split on Saturday (Sept. 14) in Warrensburg, Mo.
The Bulldogs, who also split two matches on Friday in opening day action, fell to Pittsburg State (Kan.) by a 3-1 count in the morning opener before wrapping up the event in impressive fashion with a 3-0 sweep over Emporia State (Kan.) in the afternoon finale.
FSU won set one against the Gorillas in the morning match 25-21, but Pittsburg State came back with decisive 25-12, 25-15 and 25-16 wins over the next three frames to take the match.
Ferris State received a balanced effort against PSU as three Bulldogs totaled eight kills or more although none reached double figures. Danielle Dowd totaled a team-high nine kills with both Caroline Heitzman and Courtney Rehm posting eight each. Freshman setter Stephanie Sikorski had 31 assists while senior libero Brandie Merren netted 14 digs, Rehm had 13 and sophomore Megan Vander Meer totaled 10 in the match.
FSU was limited to a .113 attack percentage and also had eight service errors to go with 59 digs, 42 kills, seven blocks and six aces.
Pittsburg State was paced by Crystal Whitten's match-high 17 kills and Abbie Smith chipped in with 15 kills to go with Hayley Hansford's 39 assists and Jordan Rehm's team-best 21 digs. PSU tallied 49 kills, 80 digs, eight blocks and five aces with only three errors and a .269 attack figure.
The Bulldogs bounced back for a 25-22, 25-18, 25-22 triumph over Emporia State in the nightcap as Rehm totaled 11 kills, senior Angi Kent had 10, Heitzman and Vander Meer both recorded nine and Alexis Huntey had seven. FSU also received 36 assists by Sikorski with Merren notching 15 digs and Huntey picking up 12 digs.
FSU had a strong showing with a .387 attack percentage in the second match of the day and the Bulldogs registered 51 kills, 49 digs, four blocks and an ace.
Emporia State was led by Torrie Rupe's 11 kills with Courtney Haring adding 10 kills and Kelly Holden posting 17 digs. ESU had a .230 attack showing and netted both 44 kills and 44 digs with five blocks and four aces.
The Bulldogs, who currently are 5-3 overall this season, return home to open Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action next weekend. FSU hosts Northwood on Friday (Sept. 20) at 7 p.m. (ET) before hosting Hillsdale on Saturday (Sept. 21) at 3 p.m. (ET).
