Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Michigan Tech volleyball team had four players record 10 or more kills in a thrilling five-set victory over Grand Valley State in front of a lively crowd at the SDC Saturday (Sept. 19). The Huskies improve to 5-8 overall and 3-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the Lakers fall to 7-6 overall and 3-2 in the league.

“We’re thrilled to get the win,” said head coach Orlando Gonzalez. “It’s one we needed if we’re going to challenge for the championship. We dropped a tough one last night, and our backs were against the wall and we did enough to go out and get the ‘W.’”

Senior Veronica Armstrong tallied team-highs in both kills (19) and digs (23) for the Huskies.

Fellow senior Kaari Nevanen also finished with a double-double, finishing with 13 kills and 20 digs.

Sophomore Kristine Sexton added 12 kills and freshman Lindsey Sathre rounded out the Tech attack with 10 kills.

Tech finished the match with a 63-54 advantage in kills.

Tech started strong offensively for the second straight match hitting .314 in a 25-19 win in set one. The Huskies out hit the Lakers .175 to .156 in the second set but came out on the losing end, 25-21. Tech won the third set, 25-22, but Grand Valley won the fourth set (25-16) to force a fifth set. Behind the support of the crowd the Huskies claimed an emotional 15-13 win.

“It’s been great to have a home crowd. It’s tough to create your own energy sometimes but having the home crowd was huge. It makes it tough on opponents and it gives us the momentum.”

Freshman Madeline Haben finished the day with 60 of the team’s 61 assists.

Rebeccah Rapin led GVSU with a match-high 23 kills.

“Anytime you beat a top ranked GLIAC North opponent it will give you confidence. We’ve got to enjoy the win and then turn around on Monday and start work for our next opponents and get focused for our next step because there’s no night off in the GLIAC. We have to make sure we stay focused and stay on task.”

Tech will remain in Houghton as it plays host to GLIAC South leader Hillsdale Friday (Sept. 25).