Bulldogs Win GLIAC Championship In Five-Set Instant Classic Over Grand Valley

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - In an instant classic, the Ferris State University women's volleyball team pulled out a thrilling five-set victory in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championship match over the rival Grand Valley State Lakers on Saturday (Nov. 12) inside Jim Wink Arena.

Ferris State won it 3-2 (25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 17-25, 19-17) to claim its second consecutive GLIAC Tournament Title, and eighth in the last nine full seasons. 

While Ferris State pulled in front 2-0, Grand Valley mounted a huge charge to tie the contest at two sets apiece. In the fifth and final set, the Bulldogs trailed by as many as three points, but were able to claw back ahead. Up 14-10, the Lakers made one more bid to spoil the effort, sending it to extra points.

Eventually, Ferris State sophomore outside hitter Claire Nowicki drilled a service ace to ice the GLIAC Tournament Title, 19-17, in the fifth frame.

Ferris State was led in production by sophomore middle hitter Olivia Henneman-Dallape and her 16 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Hannah Tecumseh notched 14 kills while Nowicki added 13 for the Bulldogs, to go with 25 digs on the day. 

The Bulldogs hit for a .181 attack percentage, while the Lakers hit it .188 on the afternoon. GVSU was led by Jordyn Gates, who picked up 25 kills for the Lakers.

Defensively, Ferris State got a match-best 30 digs out of sophomore libero Leah Bylut, while Nowicki had 25 and freshman outside hitter Alina Anderson picked up 20.

At the net, Ferris State had nine total blocks to Grand Valley's eight. Ferris State was led by sophomore middle hitter Syann Fairfield's four total block assists, complete with two solo blocks for the match.

Ferris State sophomore setter Kaylee Maat had a match-high 50 assists, giving her 101 total over the course of the GLIAC Final Four.

Ferris State will await its NCAA Tournament fate following the automatic bid to the tournament by virtue of the conference tournament title. The NCAA selection show will air live at NCAA.com on Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for updates as they become available.