COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn volleyball team wrapped up a strong weekend of competition at the CIU Invitational. The Wolverines went 3-1 on the weekend after splitting their two games on Saturday (Aug. 31). The Wolverines defeated Spartanburg Methodist in five sets and lost to (RV) Columbia International 3-1. 

Kielee Tondryk led the match with 15 kills and 16.5 points. Tondryk hit .270 and added three blocks assists for the Wolverines. Spartanburg Methodist forced a decisive fifth set after claiming a 25-15 victory. The Wolverines were unphased by their momentum, jumping out to a 3-1 lead after kills from Tondrk and Jill Paryaski. UM-Dearborn would close out the match with a pair of kills from Tondryk, eventually making it 15-9. 

In their final game, the Wolverines faced one of the top teams in the country. Columbia International received 106 votes in the NAIA preseason poll, narrowly missing the top 25. The Rams proved their prowess, handing the Wolverines their first loss of the season in four sets. Tondryk again led the Wolverines in kills and tied the lead in the match with 13. Kenzie Mertz tallied 15 digs to lead the Wolverines.