WINONA LAKE, Ind.— The University of Michigan-Dearborn volleyball team took a break from WHAC play with two games against on Friday against (RV) Bethel University (IN) at 4pm and (RV) Saint Xavier University at 8pm. The Wolverines would then take on the No.7 ranked Marian University at 1pm on Saturday afternoon, with all games taking place in Winona Lake, Ind.
In Game 1, the Wolverine offense would have a hard time getting things going Friday afternoon, as Bethel swept UM-Dearborn in three sets, 25-19, 25-14, 25-11.
Leading the Wolverines against the Pilots was Gina Giacomini with six kills, while Kristin Maust and Kielee Tondryk would add five kills of their own. Sabrina Giacomini would add 12 assists, while Kenize Mertz recorded 9 digs. Bethel was led by Maddy Payne with 16 kills, Caroline Mullet with 15 assists, and Paige Hickey with 10 digs, all match-highs.
In Game 2, UM-Dearborn would take on another team receiving votes, facing Saint Xavier on Friday night. The Cougars would top the Wolverines in five sets 25-12, 20-25, 25-15, 22-25, 15-10. Despite the slow start in the first set, UM-Dearborn would bounce back, taking two of the next three from Saint Xavier. However, the Cougars would close out the fifth set on its way to the win.
Leading the Wolverines against Saint Xavier was Maust with five kills. Sabrina Giacomini would add 14 assists, while Regan Rose would 13 of her own. Mertz would record another game with double-digit digs, adding another 25, a match-high. The Cougars were lead by Nadia Atton with 28 kills and Kaleigh Ritter with 51 assists, both match-highs.
In Game 3, UM-Dearborn would take on the No. 7 ranked undefeated Marian University Knights. The Knights would come out on top with a three set sweep of the Wolverines, 25-12, 25-20, 25-17. Another slow start would hinder UM-Dearborn in the first set, but put up a fight in the final two against the Knight, despite the outcome.
Leading the Wolverines against Marian University was Gina Giacomini with a match-high 10 kills. Sabrina Giacomini would add 19 assists, while Mertz would have another double-digit effort with 13 digs. The Knights were led by Michaela Hoffa and Skyler Van Note, both with nine kills. Lexi Spence would record 21 assists, while Van Note would add 14 digs, both match-highs.
The losses drop the Wolverines to 5-16 overall, while their record in the WHAC stays put at 3-7.
UM-Dearborn returns to its conference schedule, traveling to take on Madonna University at 7pm Wednesday, October 13th in Livonia, Mich.
Note: Photo used from previous season.
