This story was written by NMU Sports Information. (NMU Photo)
HAMMOND, Ind. - The Northern Michigan volleyball team ended the Midwest Region Crossover in dominant fashion, earning a sweep over the Ashland Eagles 25-19, 25-21, and 25-13, with the match only lasting just over an hour in total time.
Northern was clicking in all facets of the game. Leading the efforts was Madison York, who recorded a career-high 15 kills on a .481 attack percentage. She led NMU in kills in each frame with five in the first, six in the second, and four more in the final. York sparked a .285 team hitting percentage, the highest for the 'Cats this season.
After only one set with double-digit kills at the tournament, the offense came to life on Saturday afternoon, recording 17 kills in the first, and 16 kills in each of the final two sets. The Wildcats totaled 49, their highest output in three sets this season. It was also the most team kills in a three-set match since they reached 50 against Lake Superior State on September 30, 2023.
The offense may have even had more chances to boost those numbers if it weren't for the dominance at the service line. NMU collected nine aces, tying a season-high. Kaylie McIntosh and Liesl Haugen each had three, while Taylor Smaka added a pair. McIntosh finished second on the team with 10 kills, while Haugen had 10 digs. Allie Barlow also had 10 digs to go along with 38 assists.
"I am proud of the team for a great bounce back today," said assistant coach Kamryn Duffield. "This match was by far the best as we executed our serve and pass game which gave us the ability to run a more dynamic offense. It was a great all-around victory for the 'Cats!"
In 35 all-time meetings with Ashland, it is NMU's eighth sweep of the Eagles, but their first in the last 23 meetings (2003 - 30-16, 30-28, 30-17).
With the victory, the Green and Gold improve to 8-11 on the season and maintain a 5-2 GLIAC record when conference play resumes next week. The Eagles dropped to 11-8 overall and did not win a set at the tournament.
