MIDLAND, Mich. – The Lake Erie College volleyball team dropped a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) matchup to Northwood University on Friday evening, falling 3-1 at Riepma Arena. The Storm took the opening set 25-22 before the Timberwolves rallied to win the next three sets, 25-22, 25-7 and 25-21.
Lake Erie (8-13, 5-6 G-MAC) was led by Allison Kirch, who recorded a team-high 15 kills and added 17 digs. Nora Larson contributed eight kills, while Ni'yah Fuggs finished with six kills. Kylie Anderson dished out 35 assists and added eight digs, and Paige Jestadt led the Storm defensively with 23 digs.
The Storm opened the match with a strong first-set performance, hitting .298 with 14 kills. The teams traded points throughout much of the set before Lake Erie created separation late and closed out the 25-22 victory to take an early 1-0 lead.
Northwood (5-16, 3-7 G-MAC) responded in the second set, using a more efficient attack to even the match at one set apiece. Lake Erie stayed within reach throughout the frame, but the Timberwolves secured a 25-22 win to even the score at 1-1.
The third set proved challenging for the Storm, as Northwood found its rhythm offensively and limited Lake Erie to three kills. The Timberwolves hit .458 in the set and pulled away for a 25-7 victory to take a 2-1 lead.
Lake Erie battled to extend the match in the fourth set, recording 13 kills and keeping the score competitive. However, Northwood maintained its advantage down the stretch and closed out the set 25-21 to earn the four-set victory.
Northwood was led by Kennedy Hinkle, who recorded 19 kills, and Mackenzie Scheid, who added 17 kills. The Timberwolves finished with 57 kills as a team, compared with 42 for Lake Erie.
The Storm will continue their road trip on Saturday, Oct. 24, when they travel to face Hillsdale College in another G-MAC matchup.
