NMU completed the 2013 season at the GLIAC volleyball tournament semifinal game, where the ’Cats were defeated 3-1 by No. 2-seed Ashland University.

Head coach Dominic Yoder said he was very proud of every member of the team.

“The chemistry was tremendous; it was everything I expected and more from them,” Yoder said. “It takes a team effort and it doesn’t matter if it was a starter or if it was a back-up player that was competing in practice; they are all responsible for our success.”

The Wildcats concluded a 22-9 regular season effort with a run in the GLIAC conference tournament. The ’Cats were seeded third and guaranteed a home game in the first quarterfinal round against the University of Findlay. The ’Cats walked away with a victory in five full games Wednesday, Nov. 20.

GVSU hosted the ’Cats’ semifinal game against Ashland on Saturday, Nov. 23. Ashland took the first set 25-17.

Yoder said the Wildcats needed to slow down freshman outside hitter Alli Cudworth, named GLIAC Freshman of the Year.

“We did a really good job of doing that,” Yoder said. “We just didn’t take care of the ball on our side of the net. Serve reception wasn’t as strong but we still gave ourselves a chance to win.”

The Wildcats took the second set in a 25-23 victory when senior leftside/middle hitter Kalli Herron had a kill off an assist from senior setter Kellisha Harley. The kill put the ’Cats up by one point. A service error by Ashland led the Wildcats to a 25-23 victory.

Following the victory NMU was unable to close out the last two sets. Ashland University took the semifinal match 3-1.

Harley said Ashland is a very strong, competitive team.

“It was a tough match,” Harley said. “Our team came in well-prepared and we worked to earn each point. Unfortunately, we were out-competed.”

Ashland went on to play Grand Valley for the conference championship but was defeated in five sets. Top-seeded GVSU took the 2013 GLIAC championship.

Yoder said he was proud of the image the seniors set.

“When I really sit here and think about the season I am extremely proud of our seniors and the culture that they set for our team,” Yoder said. “They performed on the floor and really gave us strong performance leadership. “It was evident in that four of our five seniors were All-Conference players.”

Seniors Harley and leftside hitter Lina Lopes were selected All-GLIAC First-Team. Harley finished the 2013 season with 1,266 assists, 37 service aces, 241 digs and 38 total blocks. Lopes concluded her career at NMU with 402 kills, 1,104 attacks, 38 service aces, 374 digs and 36 total blocks this season.

Herron was selected as All-GLIAC Second Team and Hamilton received Honorable Mention.

Herron had 384 kills, 1,010 total attacks, 35 service aces, 134 digs and 61 total blocks for the Wildcats this fall.

Herron said there were no low points for the ’Cats this season.

“I have never played on a team  that has so much passion and love for the game of volleyball,” Herron said. “Whatever may have been thought of as a low point is always a learning experience to change into something great.”

Hamilton contributed 314 kills, 753 attacks, 31 digs and 95 total blocks this year.

Libero and defensive specialist Suzy Solin rounds up the rest of the senior class at NMU with 89 digs for the ’Cats this season.

Harley said she is very proud of the team this season.

“We worked very hard and played with a lot of heart, and that showed in the way we competed,” Harley said. “We were able to complete the season with 23 wins and that isn’t easy to do. We had goals to continue further into the post season than we did, so it was a little disappointing, but overall this was a great season.”

Yoder has signed six athletes for the 2014 volleyball season to replace the loss of the five seniors. The newest additions to the team include Jami Hogeboom, Jamie Maus, Kayla Chosa, Madison Whitehead, Megan Frakes and Meghan Seymour.

Yoder said even with the additions, the senior class from this season will be difficult to replace.

“It’s going to be difficult to fill those shoes immediately, but we have an incoming class of six freshmen,” Yoder said. “We are just really excited for our young team next year and the potential that they have.”

The Wildcats will return freshman rightside hitter Alex Larson who finished with 226 kills, 584 attacks and 76 total blocks.

Returning sophomore leftside hitter, Lisa Studnicka, had 313 attacks for the ’Cats and 167 digs.

Freshman libero Meghan Supple also returns with 176 digs while sophomore libero and defensive specialist Alex Berger returns after a season with 449 digs and 48 service aces for the ’Cats.

Harley said she is very proud of the hard work and team chemistry this season.

“I am very happy and thankful that I had the chance to play with all of these girls,” Harley said. “I enjoyed being with them on and off the court.”