Box Score
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team fell in five sets Friday (Sept. 30) for the second match this week, this time to the Findlay Oilers in the home-opener at the SDC Gym. The Huskies drop to 6-8 overall and 3-3 in the GLIAC.
"It was a good match, but disappointing to lose, especially in five again," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "I was proud of the way the team fought against an explosive Findlay squad."
The first two sets were seesaw battles. The Oilers scored the final five points in the first set to win 25-20. The Huskies trailed 18-13 in the second frame before scoring six straight on the serve by Kristine Fink. Stephanie Dietrich pounded down a kill to get it to set point, and Aubrey Ficek finished it off with a kill and a 25-23 win.
Findlay (9-5, 3-1 GLIAC) scored the first 10, and 13 of the first 14, to control set three, winning 25-13. Tech again responded in the fourth, twice going on five point runs to win 25-16.
In the fifth, UF jumped out to a 7-2 advantage. Amanda Winner put down five kills in the final frame as the Oilers sealed the win 15-10.
"There was a lot of offense in the first couple sets before the defense took over down the stretch," added Jennings. "We have to figure out a way to come out in these five-setters. We've been in all the sets this week and as the team continues to jell we'll figure it out."
Mariah Sherman led the Husky offense with 14 kills, including nine in the first two sets, and four block assists. MacAulay Petersen added 13 kills in her first home match in the Black and Gold. Ficek added 10 kills and 12 digs. Lauren Emmert teamed up for five bock assists and seven kills.
Elle Heinonen (14 digs) and Halie Hart (13 digs) led the back row defense, while Rachel Pohlod tallied 42 assists and 10 digs.
The Huskies are back in action Saturday (Oct. 1) for their third match of the week. Wayne State comes in for a 4 p.m. match.
"Wayne State plays really fast and they have a middle that is lights out," Jennings said. "We have to play some defense and play fast."
