#4 FSU Wins Opening Two Matches At Midwest Region Crossover

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad, which is ranked fourth nationally, continued its stellar early-season play as the Bulldogs won a pair of matches on Friday (Oct. 18) at the nation's largest collegiate volleyball tournament.

FSU beat Maryville (Mo.) and Northwood by identical 3-0 scores at the Midwest Region Crossover to move to 19-0 overall this season.

In the opener, Ferris State topped Maryville by scores of 25-19, 25-23 and 25-15 in the regional crossover contest. Senior hitter Claire Nowicki had a squad-best 14 kills in the triumph while fellow senior Olivia Henneman-Dallape tallied 12 kills for FSU.

The Bulldogs also got 23 digs from senior libero Leah Bylut in a strong effort while Nowicki added seven digs. Senior setter Kaylee Maat recorded 21 assists and five digs for the Bulldogs. Both Emma Bleecher and Corrie Wisser recorded two service aces while Chelsie Freeman had four block assists and a solo block for the Bulldogs. Nowicki also added four assisted blocks.

In the second match, the Bulldogs beat Northwood for the second time this season, garnering a 25-17, 25-14, 25-13 decision.

Freshman Gabby Piazza paced the Bulldogs with a team-high 14 kills in the second win while Nowicki totaled 12 digs and Henneman-Dallape finished with eight. Maat tallied 31 assists and Bylut recorded nine digs with Nowicki netting seven digs for the Bulldogs. Piazza also had two solo blocks and Henneman-Dallape came up with a solo block in addition to two assisted blocks at the net.

A total of 38 teams are competing in the regional crossover at the Hammond Sportsplex. The event is in its 15th year and ranks as the country's largest collegiate voleyball tournament.

Official pairings for Saturday's matches will be announced late Friday evening following the conclusion of day one play.