Box Score
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team wrapped up its opening weekend with a 3-0 sweep of Lake Superior State Sunday (Feb. 21) at the SDC Gym. The Huskies won 25-13, 25-23, and 25-10 to take both weekend matches in the only meetings with the Lakers this season.
"To win three sets in this league is never easy, especially as we begin a season where we're getting the rust off," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "The way we responded in the third set was strong. We took a little bit of a break in the second but I'm overall happy with the results. I'm glad to see it was a team effort. We got a lot of players in there and everyone helped all around."
The Huskies hopped out to a 15-5 lead in the first set and closed it out 25-13 to take the 1-0 advantage. Olivia Ghormley and Anna Jonynas had four kills in the opening frame. Tech hit .257 and the defense held LSSU to -.104.
LSSU made it difficult in the second set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. The Huskies battled back to a 12-12- tie and then took the lead after a kill by Laura De Marchi and back-to-back points by Ghormley. LSSU wouldn't go away with three straight points for a slim 23-22 margin for the Huskies, but Sarah Knoll and Jonynas put down the final to points for a 2-0 lead at the break.
"That's when you lean on your leaders in that second," added Jennings. "For them to keep their poise and keep us marching through is an example of great leadership."
"We just knew that we had to take care of business and slow things down to take control," Ghormley said. "It was nice to get that win."
Tech controlled from the outset in the third, going on a 9-0 run to lead 16-5. Lindy Oujiri racked up five kills in the final set, including the match-sealing point. Tech hit .400 and held LSSU to -.029 as Jonynas dug up nine attacks and Megan Utlak added eight.
"It feels awesome to be 2-0 and win our first six sets," Ghormley said. "We've been practicing since August and it's awesome to finally be able to get on the court and play real matches after 400-something days off."
Olivia Ghormley had a match-high 12 kills while hitting .333. Anna Jonynas finished with 11 kills, 17 digs, and three blocks. Kaycee Meiners added eight kills on only 16 attempts while Lindy Oujiri added five kills and Janie Grindland four.
Laura De Marchi set the offense with 32 assists while adding 11 digs for the double-double. Megan Utlak led the defense with 19 digs.
Camdyn Odykirk and Sarah Bailey had five kills each to lead the Lakers. Emily Kalinowski had 12 assists and Sydney Briney added 16 digs.
Tech hits the road for the first time at Northwood next weekend. The Huskies and Timberwolves will meet on Saturday and Sunday.
