Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State finished with a 62-37 advantage in kills over Michigan Tech to claim a 3-1 win in the opening round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference volleyball tournament Wednesday (Nov. 11). The Cardinals (20-8, 12-4) also finished with a .234 attack percentage to .069 by the Huskies (14-14, 10-6).

Tech jumped out to a 1-0 lead after winning the first set 25-22 but followed up with a close 26-24 loss in set two. The Cardinals then claimed the third and fourth sets by identical 25-14 scores.

Sophomore Kristine Sexton led the Tech attack with 15 kills and a .256 attack percentage. The Coldwater, Mich., native added 10 digs and two service aces.

Freshman Madeline Haben also finished with a double-double thanks to 33 assists and 16 digs.

Senior Kaari Nevanen turned in a strong night with 16 digs and two service aces.

Katie Fitzgerald and Alison Schlinkert each finished with 15 kills to lead Saginaw Valley State.

Tech will have to wait until Sunday (Nov. 15) to see if it qualified for the 2009 NCAA Div. II Women’s Volleyball Tournament.