BLOG 8: The competition only gets tougher in the GLIAC in volleyball

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris' Kristy Gilchrist tallied 18 kills in the win over Wayne State

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University’s volleyball coaching staff spoke of the improvement of many teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference – and that truth continues to reveal itself.

The Bulldogs experienced an up-and-down weekend in the GLIAC as they dropped a 3-1 match to Northwood, in Midland, but bounced back to close the weekend with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Wayne State in a match played in Detroit.

Northwood is always going to be a strong opponent and, traditionally, has been one of Ferris’ biggest rivals on the volleyball court. Normally, the Bulldogs would look forward to a rematch in Big Rapids. But, since Northwood has moved to the South Division, there will be no regular-season sequel.

In Saturday’s rebound win over Wayne, Kristy Gilchrist led the team with 18 kills as part of a strong and efficient hitting performance. Katie Edwards added 17 kills and Arielle Goodson finished with 11.

Setter Andrea Rich, coming off winning GLIAC North Division Player of the Week honors, totaled 45 assists with six kills and 12 digs.

The Wayne match was one of those contests the Bulldogs needed as they bounced back from the tough loss at Northwood. Ferris expected to face a much-improved Wayne team and the Bulldogs did indeed get all they wanted.

Ferris won 31-29 in the opening set and then went up 2-0 after a convincing 25-13 win. Wayne rallied with wins of 26-24 and 25-20 o tie the match before the Bulldogs grabbed the win with a 15-11 win in the fifth set.

The Bulldogs have one more road match before they return home to Ewigleben Sports Arena. This will be a relatively short trip as Ferris challenges rival Grand Valley State in Allendale on Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m.

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