Bulldogs Fall, Take Split In GLIAC Opening Weekend With Northern

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball tell fell 3-1 for a weekend split with the Northern Michigan Wildcats (16-25, 18-25, 25-23, 22-25) inside the Ewigleben Arena in Great Lakes Intercolleigate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Saturday (Feb. 20).

Ferris State sophomore middle hitter Kira Merkle led the Bulldogs with 13 kills, while senior outside hitter Katie O'Connell chipped in 11 in the effort.

The Bulldogs fell in the opening two sets, but clawed back to win the third set, holding NMU to an .061 attack percentage in the third frame. Ferris State took a three-point lead in the fourth set down the stretch, but the Wildcats took over late for the victory.

NMU's Jacqueline Smith had 19 kills while Lizzy Stark picked up 18 to go with three service aces for the Wildcats. Lauren Van Remortel had 50 assists for NMU as well.

Ferris State freshman setter Kaylee Maat had 43 assists for the Bulldogs to go with a pair of service aces.

Meanwhile, at the net, O'Connell and junior middle hitter Samantha Hermann each had a pair of total blocks for the Bulldogs. O'Connell also had 29 digs while senior libero Nina Gorgijevska had 20 for FSU.

The Wildcats had 11 total blocks at the net, led by Ania Hyatt's three block assists.

The Bulldogs next travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to take on Lake Superior State on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 26-27) at 3:30 p.m. (ET) and 1:00 p.m. (ET), respectivey, in Sault Ste. Marie in GLIAC action.