Over the past couple weekends, the NMU volleyball team hosted four GLIAC rivals, Saginaw Valley State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, and Roosevelt. The Wildcats came away with wins in every match, ending the run at home victorious.

First, the Wildcats hosted Saginaw Valley on Friday, Oct. 4, securing a 3-1 win.

The Wildcats took the court again the next night, this time hosting Lake Superior State. The Cats won again, with a final score of 3-1.

During the weekend, senior Outside Hitter Jacqueline Smith set the NMU record for most kills. In the win over Saginaw Valley, Smith had 16 kills, and in the win over Lake Superior State, she had 22.

“We’re really proud for Jackie to be able to celebrate that moment. It was an interesting moment because we were struggling a little bit when it happened. But the moment it happened, you’re like ‘Okay, this is bigger than anything that’s happening in this moment.’ She got a standing ovation, which I was really happy about. Then we got back to work and got it done,” Head Coach Mike Lozier said.

The next weekend, the Wildcats stayed home again where they hosted Michigan Tech on Thursday, Oct. 10, and the new GLIAC member, Roosevelt, on Friday, Oct. 11.

First, the Wildcats and the Huskies faced off, and the Cats came up with the win and a final score of 3-1. Spectators were encouraged to wear green to celebrate World Mental Health Week and cheer on the athletes.

“I can’t comprehend what they’re dealing with as college students, and not only that, but college athletes. I think the number one thing is you got to build that trust within your athletes and within your team, so they feel comfortable coming to you,” Coach Lozier said.

Smith once again came up big for the Wildcats, recording 18 kills in the 3-1 win over Tech.

Next up for the Wildcats was Roosevelt, and they secured another 3-1 victory. Senior middle back Olivia Webber had 10 kills in the win, while junior middle back McKenzie Gruner who contributed 15 kills.

This is the last time we will see the Cats at home this season.