It was a weekend of repetition on the road for the Wildcats last weekend, as they lost 3-1 against three top ranked conference opponents in the GLIAC North division.

On Friday, Oct. 21, the ’Cats played Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Ferris State University on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Head coach Dominic Yoder said the team had a few difficulties this weekend, such as serve reception, but overall the team played well.

“We played well at times but struggled with consistency in serve reception,” Yoder said.

Sophomore left side/middle hitter Kalli Herron said the team had a tough time staying consistent and that was one of the reasons they did not do as well as hoped last weekend.

“Overall, we had our ups and downs,” Herron said. “We would start off strong then let the opponent back into the game, which would hurt us in the long run. Other times we competed very well and never let the other team back into the game.”

Yoder said the team was ready for its matches this weekend and a few individual players played a big part of the team’s overall performance.

“We were well prepared last weekend and had highlight performances from Kalli Herron and junior libero/defensive specialist Kalin Zimmerman,” Yoder said.

Herron said the team could have used a bit of help in a few areas this weekend, including staying consistent in their scoring opportunities.

“For our next games, we need to work on not letting the opponent get long runs of points on us and to terminate the ball as soon as possible,” Herron said.

Yoder said the Wildcats need to continue to work on their serve reception and improve their competitive attitude and energy.

“The team’s energy was consistent at times, but we really need to focus more on keeping our serve competitive and defending the opponent,” Yoder said.

Herron said the energy on the team was a driving force for the weekend and it helped the team to stay in the zone and compete.

“Last weekend our energy was great and once we started to compete there was no stopping us,” Herron said.

Yoder said the weekend was mostly driven by defensive play, and the ’Cats’ ability to play defense helped them overall.

“This weekend, the defensive play was better, but offense was the morale booster,” Yoder said.

In contrast to Yoder’s observation, Herron said the weekend was driven by both offensive and defensive play.

“Offense and defense were both contributing this weekend,” Herron said. “Offense was putting balls away and our defense was very scrappy as well.”

Yoder said the competition this weekend was not easy and the Wildcat’s opponents are the top three of four teams in the GLIAC North.

“Last weekend was one of the most competitive weekends we have seen,” Herron said. “Saginaw, Grand Valley and Ferris are all very good teams and it’s always a great game against them.”

Next weekend, the ’Cats play Lake Superior State at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The ’Cats will take on Northwood at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Both games will be at home in the Vandament Arena.