BLOG 20: Ferris volleyball team forced to settle for weekend split

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State's Kristy Gilchrist takes a swing as the Bulldogs hosted Lake Superior State on Friday (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The competition for playoff positioning in the volleyball standings of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is fierce right now. Then again, competition for anything in the GLIAC is tough on the volleyball court.

Ferris helped its cause with a 3-1 victory over Lake Superior State on Friday, but its attempt to remain strong in the standings was dealt a severe blow Saturday in a 3-0 home regular-season-finale loss to Saginaw Valley State (27-25, 25-17, 26-24) in Ewigleben Sports Arena.

Kristy Gilchrist led Ferris with nine kills and a block while Arielle Goodson had seven kills. Recording four kills apiece were Andrea Rich, Katie Edwards and Sarah Lark. Candice Marut totaled 14 assists and Rich had 11. Lisa Tobiczyk had 16 digs, Dana Ruttle had 12, Rich 11 and Ashley Huntey 10.

The Bulldogs take their show on the road for the final two games of the regular season in the Upper Peninsula as they challenge Northern Michigan in Marquette (Nov. 7) and Michigan Tech in Houghton (Nov. 8).

Like most teams, the Bulldogs have had their struggles traveling to the U.P. to face Northern and Tech over the years. An obvious reason for that, typically, has been the fact the Wildcats and Huskies are generally very good volleyball squads.

With the GLIAC Tournament scheduled to begin Nov. 12, the Bulldogs want (and really need) to perform well in these last two regular-season contests to set the stage for the league tournament.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com