The Wildcat Volleyball team forced five sets against the Michigan Tech Huskies but were unable to overcome their rival in a thrilling match over the weekend.

“It’s heartbreaking to lose but I think that’s just how it goes sometimes when two of the better teams in the conference compete—one of them has to lose,” head coach Mike Lozier said.

“It wasn’t a case of we played poorly and they played well or the other way around, it was just two good teams competing.”

The two team’s that were tied for second in the GLIAC going into the contest fought close sets, with the largest margin of the match being 25-19.

After the loss, Northern Michigan now drops to 18-7, 10-4 in GLIAC play. On the other hand, Michigan Tech improved to 17-8, 11-3 in the conference and captured second place in the league.

There’s no doubt that each and every one of us gave it all we got,” said senior setter Jami Hogeboom. “We obviously wish we came out on top but it was an exciting game and we really did the best that we could.”

Despite losing, the Wildcats saw four players hit double-figure kills, led by senior right side hitter Madison Whitehead’s 15. Whitehead is now alone with the fourth most kills in her career, totaling 1,271. Senior middle blocker Kayla Chosa posted 12, while redshirt sophomore middle blocker Sarah Kuehn added 11 and junior outside hitter Autumn Monsma chipped in with 10.

Hogeboom added 54 assists to the evening, and two aces. Freshman outside hitter Leticia Antunes led the team with three aces along with sophomore defensive specialist Gabriela Martinez, who contributed two aces.

Defensively, Antunes posted a team-best of 22 digs. Monsma and junior defensive specialist Rachel Braunschweig both notched 18 digs.

With the loss behind them, the Lady Wildcats prepare for their last games of the regular season against the conference leading Ferris State University and Northwood University.

The Wildcats are currently guaranteed a spot in this year’s GLIAC tournament and are seeded third. If the team wins at least one of their games over the season, they will host their quarter final game at the Vandament Arena.

Earlier in the season, the ’Cats were on the bad end of a 3-0 loss against the Ferris Bulldogs. According to Lozier and his players, they aren’t shook by their upcoming opponent as they prepare for their last regular season home games.

“Getting them at home is huge. Historically we’ve played well [at home] and think we have as good a shot as any to get the win.”