ESCANABA, MI – The Norse Volleyball Team (8-8, 1-2) picked up their first win in conference play beating North Central Michigan College (0-6, 0-3) in straight sets by scores of 26-24, 25-15, and 25-19.

Bay took a lead early in the opening set, making a run with Alissa Sanville (FR, Gladstone, MI) serving.  The Norse set a tone early with some strong net play, with multiple blocks successfully defusing Timberwolf kill attempts. North Central Michigan regained their composure however, and after being down by as many as nine, they closed the gap and tied it late.  With a chance at taking momentum and late in the opening set, service errors with the score tied at 20 and 21 would be something that would haunt the Timberwolves, as it would allow Bay to finish off the first set.

The Norse put up their best offensive numbers in the second set.  They would commit just five attack errors while connecting on 13 kills in 37 attempts.  They also controlled the net defensively.  Riley Johnson (FR, Chatham, MI) collected a solo block, while Leah Allan (FR, Oconto, WI) and Tianna Taylor (SO, Gwinn, MI) combined with Kylee Tadisch (FR, Coleman, WI) for a pair of assisted blocks.  The dominance at the net allowed Bay to pull away late in the set to cruise to a ten-point victory.

North Central Michigan grabbed an early lead in the third only for the Norse to answer and turn it in to a tightly contested set.  With the attack percentage dropping significantly for Bay in that final set, the Timberwolves were able to hang around and give themselves a chance to force a fourth.  The Norse scored seven of the last eight points of the match to squash any idea of a comeback attempt.

Head Coach Dan Porath talked about the resiliency of his team after suffering two tough losses to open conference play this past weekend.  "It was great to see our team respond with a win.  We appreciate the support the community has shown by coming out to cheer us on.  It was another great crowd and the atmosphere definitely helps."

Johnson led the offensive attack with 11 kills.  She also tallied a solo and assisted block.  Allan picked up eight kills,13 digs, and added a solo block and assisted block to her line.  Tori Jandt (FR, Peshtigo, WI) ended up with 15 digs for the Norse.  Tadisch and Taylor each had four assisted blocks.  Amber Caylor (FR, Wausaukee, WI) picked up 27 assists.

The Norse will be on the road Saturday for another MCCAA matchup.  They will meet Delta College at 1 pm.