Sixth-Ranked Ferris State Rallies For Exciting Home Win To Stay Atop The GLIAC

Highlights & Postgame Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The sixth-ranked Ferris State University women's volleyball squad remained perfect in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), but the Bulldogs had to rally for a thrilling 3-2 home win over Ashland on Saturday (Oct. 6) at the Ewigleben Sports Arena.

The Bulldogs won the battle of the GLIAC's North and South Division leaders by claiming a 15-11 victory in the fifth and final set after rallying to force the deciding frame. AU won the opener 28-26 with FSU taking set two 25-16. The Eagles then claimed a 27-25 win in the third before Ferris State rebounded with a 26-24 decision in the fourth as three of the first four sets needed extra points.

Sophomore hitter Katie O'Connell netted a team-high 18 kills for the Bulldogs while adding 22 digs for FSU. The Bulldogs also got 13 kills from junior Allyson Cappel in addition to 17 digs. Junior Courtney Brewer chipped in 17 kills in a strong afternoon with Mekayla Carey notching 11 kills overall to go with six block assists.

Junior setter Maeve Grimes had 56 assists in the win after being honored prior to the match for recording her 2,000th career assist on Friday evening. Senior libero Katie Placek totaled 25 digs in the triumph.

Overall, FSU hit .243 for the day and came up with 64 kills and 20 errors on 181 total attempts. Ferris State finished with 82 digs, 18 block assists and four solo blocks while notching three aces and nine mistakes at the service line.

Sophi Cudworth led Ashland with a match-high 21 kills while Shelby Woycik added 19 kills and 15 digs. The Eagles also got 20 digs from Erin Krupar in addition to 55 assists by setter Zoey Peck.

For the match, Ashland compiled a .180 attack figure with 71 kills and 34 errors on 205 attempts. The Eagles managed 85 digs with 16 block assists in addition to five aces and eight service errors.

The Bulldogs improved to 16-3 overall and 11-0 in the GLIAC with the win.

Ferris State will next take part in the Midwest Region Crossover Tournament set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13, in Indianapolis, Ind.