#4 Ferris State Stays Unbeaten In GLIAC Volleyball Play By Beating Archrival GVSU

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Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad, ranked fourth nationally, pulled out a 3-1 triumph over archrival and 22nd-ranked Grand Valley State on Tuesday (Sept. 29) night before a capacity crowd inside the Ewigleben Sports Arena.

The Bulldogs remained unbeaten in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play by winning their 17th consecutive home match in a battle between the two GLIAC North Division leaders. FSU improved to 13-1 overall this season and 5-0 in the conference standings with the victory.

Ferris State took the first set 25-16 and posted a 26-24 win in a tight second set to build a 2-0 match lead. However, GVSU responded with a 25-23 triumph in the third set, but FSU sealed the win by taking the fourth frame 25-20 over the Lakers.

Senior outside hitter Megan Vander Meer tallied a match-high 15 kills as Ferris State beat GVSU for the eighth time in the last 12 series' matchups. She also added 11 digs to go with two service aces and two block assists.

In addition to Vander Meer's performance, another senior also had a big night as Alexis Huntey posted 12 kills and 12 digs along with three aces and five block assists.

The Bulldogs also received 10 kills from sophomore middle hitter Ayanna Buckley and six more from senior middle hitter Caroline Heitzman. Together, they also combined for two solo blocks and 11 assists at the net on the block for FSU.

In the backrow, Ferris State freshman Katie Placek tallied a team-high 20 digs with senior libero Danielle Dowd adding 14 digs. Junior setter Stephanie Sikorski finished with 38 assists in the outing.

Buckley also had two aces from the service line as part of the Bulldogs' seven aces on the night.
Overall, Ferris State hit .142 for the match and came up with 48 kills to 47 for GVSU. The Lakers were limited to a .111 attack figure.

Additionally, the Bulldogs recorded 13 total blocks to 11 for the Lakers along with 75 digs compared to Grand Valley State's 71 in the match. The Lakers had only three aces and totaled 13 service errors with FSU making only six mistakes on the serve.

The Lakers were led by Kaleigh Lound, who recorded 13 kills. Staci Brower added 12 kills for GVSU while both Jessica Majerle and Shannon Winicki netted eight apiece. Taylor Shomin notched a match-high 21 digs for the Lakers with Betsy Ronda chipping in 17 digs and Katie Olson totaling 12 overall.

With the loss, Grand Valley State dropped to 8-5 overall and 4-1 in conference action.

Tuesday's clash was the first of two matchups between the longtime West Michigan rivals as FSU will pay a return visit to Allendale on Nov. 3. 

The Bulldogs will continue a three-match homestand versus Tiffin on Friday (Oct. 2) at 7 p.m. (ET) along with Ohio Dominican on Saturday (Oct. 3) starting at 3 p.m. (ET) in Big Rapids.