ESCANABA, MI – The Norse Volleyball Team (8-7, 2-1 MCCAA) picked up a win over the North Central Michigan Timberwolves (5-7, 1-2 MCCAA) in front of an energetic home crowd. Bay won the match in four sets (25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 25-16).
The Norse took advantage of the Timberwolves coming out flat in the first set. NCMC was long on a number of attacks early and missed on some opportunities, giving the Norse multiple free balls which resulted in a 19-5 lead for the home team. Olyvia Saxton (FR, Ithaca, MI) rattled of three consecutive serving aces and the Norse looked as though they would roll through the first set. Bay's offense stalled, allowing the Timberwolves to make a run. After they closed the gap to six, Bay would take a timeout with the score sitting at 23-16. The break allowed the home team to regroup and take the first set 25-17.
North Central used the momentum of the run they made in the first set to put pressure on the Norse in the second. After a back and forth exchange early, a six point run by the visitors gave them an 18-13 lead. After a timeout the Norse cut the lead to two, but the Timberwolves finished the set strong and evened up the match with a 25-20 win.
North Central took a step back in the third set, with unforced errors and sloppy play. Meanwhile the Norse offense started to click as they gathered up ten kills in 23 attempts with only one error. It resulted in multiple runs by the Norse and pulling off a 25-18 win in the third set.
In the fourth set it looked as though the Timberwolves had taken control, building a big lead early. Trailing by ten, the Norse finally turned the tide with a side-out and swing the match in their favor for good. Nine unanswered points with Amber Caylor (SO, Wausaukee, WI) at the service line put Bay in control for the remainder of the match. The home team put together their best attack of the night, hitting at a .562 clip. The big run took the Timberwolves out of the game and Bay would finish the match with a 25-16 win in the final set.
Saxton had a great night on offense, collecting eight kills in 14 attempts with no errors. She also had five digs. Kylee Tadisch (SO, Coleman, WI) added seven kills. Tori Jandt (SO, Peshtigo, WI) ended with 17 digs, while Allan had 15.
Bay is on the road this weekend and will take on the only undefeated team in Northern Conference play. Grand Rapids Community College is now 3-0 in conference after beating Delta College 3-1 on Tuesday night. They will host the Norse at 6:30 on Friday evening. The Norse will finish up their trip with a visit to Muskegon Community College on Saturday at 11 am.