DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn volleyball team opened the 2018 season with a split at the annual Early Bird Challenge Friday at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse.
In the 1,500th game in program history, UM-Dearborn opened play with a four-set win over NAIA newcomer Columbia International University. The set scores were 25-13, 25-14, 25-27, 25-14. Goshen College topped the Wolverines in three sets to close day one, 25-17, 25-17, 25-15, as UM-Dearborn opens the fifth season under head coach Eric Stark 1-1.
The starting lineup against CIU included three newcomers for UM-Dearborn, including freshman Mackenzie Fuleky, who led the offense with 10 kills, while adding two block assists. Junior Bronte Michura, who made her debut after redshirting in 2017, added six kills and 13 digs.
Daniella Barile recorded a team-high 19 assists, while Caitlyn Carlson added 18 digs at the Libero position. Senior middle blocker Katherine Nealy was strong at the net with five total blocks.
Against Goshen, senior Erin Parrinello recorded seven kills to lead the Wolverines, while Michura finished with 13 digs.
The Wolverines play two more to close out the event starting with Spring Arbor University at 10 am on Saturday, followed by Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 2 pm.
Friday's Results:
UM-Dearborn 3, Columbia International 1
Madonna 3, Spring Arbor 0
Lawrence Tech 3, Goshen 0
Mount Vernon Nazarene 3, Columbia International 0
Lawrence Tech 3, Point Park 1
Goshen 3, UM-Dearborn 0
Madonna 3, Mount Vernon Nazarene 0
Lawrence Tech 3, Point Park 0
Saturday's Schedule
10 AM
Spring Arbor vs. UM-Dearborn, Main Court
Goshen vs. Madonna, Court 2
Point Park vs. Columbia International, Court 3
Noon
Columbia International vs. Goshen, Main Court
Madonna vs. Point Park, Court 2
Mount Vernon Nazarene vs. Lawrence Tech, Court 3
2 PM
Mount Vernon Nazarene vs. UM-Dearborn, Main Court
Lawrence Tech vs. Spring Arbor, Court 3
