Volleyball Downs Walsh 3-1

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University volleyball team earned a 3-1 win over Walsh Saturday afternoon (October 11). Set scores were 17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 26-24.

Northwood is now 6-9 overall, 3-8 in the GLIAC. Walsh falls to 1-15 overall, 1-10 in the GLIAC.

Walsh got off to a fast start in the first set, thanks to a strong offensive attack. The Cavaliers hit .333 (13-4-27). Northwood hit a solid .240 (9-3-25), but it wasn't enough as Walsh took a 1-0 lead.

Northwood's defense stepped up the rest of the match, starting in the second set. Despite finishing with fewer kills (12-11) and a lower attack percentage (.152-.086), Northwood found a way to level the match 1-1. NU led 20-13 and held off a late Walsh run to take the second set 25-23.

Walsh scored the first four points of the third set and eventually led 14-12 when Northwood made a big run to earn a 2-1 lead. The Timberwolves registered the nine of the next 10 points to open up a 21-15 lead. NU eventually led 24-17 and took the set 25-21. The Timberwolves hit .154 (11-5-39) while the Cavaliers hit .079 (9-6-38).

The fourth set was sloppy, as the teams combined to make a total of 27 attack, ball handing and service errors.  The key stretch of the set came late – Walsh led 19-16 when Northwood scored six straight points to open up a 22-19 lead. On their second match point opportunity, the Timberwolves earned the win.

For the match, Northwood hit .113 (41-24-150) while Walsh finished at .094 (43-30-138). After the opening set, the Cavaliers hit .036 (30-26-111). NU finished with an 11.0-8.0 edge in blocks, while Walsh finished with a 68-54 edge in digs.

Meghan Cleary (Howell, Mich./Farmington Hills Mercy) led Northwood with nine kills. Cassandra Marsh (Maumee, Ohio) had eight kills, two aces and a pair of blocks, while Allison Getty (Wayland, Mich.) had eight kills, two aces, 13 digs and two blocks. Sydney Greulich (Kitchener, Ontario/St. Mary's) had seven kills and shared match-high honors with five blocks.

Northwood will travel to the GLIAC/GLVC Crossover next Friday/Saturday (Oct. 17-18). Matchups for the event will be determined later this weekend.