DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn volleyball team opened the 2019 Early Bird Challenge with a split in two matches on Friday at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse.
The Wolverines fell to Point Park University in three sets (25-20, 25-17, 25-21) before rallying to defeat Bluefield College in five (25-13, 16-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12). The split moves UM-Dearborn to 1-2 on the season.
Against PPU, senior Bronte Michura led the Wolverine offense with eight kills, while junior Gina Giacomini added five. Junior Sabrina Giacomini finished with 13 assists and 12 digs, while freshman Delaney Smith added 12 digs.
Point Park was led by Haley English with 11 kills and 16 digs.
In the second match of the day, UM-Dearborn jumped out to an early advantage with a strong opening set. After the Rams took the next two, the Wolverines rallied to force a fifth. The teams traded points and were tied at 9-9 before the Wolverines took control for the win.
Michura finished with a team-high 14 kills, while Gina Giacomini added 10 kills. Smith recorded a career-high 29 digs. Senior Daniella Barile had 18 assists and 15 digs, while Sabrina Giacomini added 22 assists and 15 digs.
Mallory Lynch narrowly missed a double-double with nine kills and 14 digs.
The Wolverines continue play at the Early Bird Challenge with two more matches on Saturday, starting against Goshen College at 9 am at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse.
