The Northern Michigan University Volleyball team split their final two matches of the 2018 season this past weekend, defeating the Northwood University Timberwolves (NU) 3-1 on Friday before falling 3-0 to the Ferris State Bulldogs on Saturday to close out the year.

On Friday, the Wildcats fell behind early in the first set but rallied back and kept the difference between the teams razor-thin, eventually taking a 26-24 set victory. The second set was also a good one for NMU, and although they were down 17-12 at one point in the match, the Wildcats scored seven straight points en route to a 25-21 win. The Timberwolves were able to get some momentum back on their side by winning the third set 25-21, but Northern kept their focus, winning the fourth set 25-21 and the match 3-1.
Senior outside hitter Autumn Monsma led the NMU offense with 19 kills, while on the back end senior defensive specialist Rachel Braunschweig was the standout with 24 digs.

Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs, ranked No. 8 in the nation, was another battle for the Wildcats. The Bulldogs came out strong in the first set, making quick work of the Wildcats and winning the set 25-15. Set two was much closer, with the two teams trading leads until the set was tied 25-25. From there, points went back and forth before Ferris found an edge and took a 30-28 set win. The Bulldogs rode the wave of momentum into the third set, winning 25-20 and sweeping the Wildcats by a score of 3-0.

Monsma again led NMU’s attack, this time recording 11 kills, while it was Braunschweig’s 16 digs that paced Northern defensively.
The Wildcats finish their season with an overall record of 16-11 and a GLIAC record of 5-11, seating them in eighth place in the conference and just missing out on the playoffs.