November 17, 2025
Ferris State volleyball team captures GLIAC regular season crown with sweep
The Ferris State University volleyball team captured its 19th Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship on Saturday, sweeping University of Wisconsin-Parkside in straight sets, 25-17, 25-16, 25-17.
With the win, Ferris State concluded the regular season tied for first place with Wayne State University and will be the top seed for the conference tournament.
The Bulldogs dominated with a .284 hitting percentage and tallied 53 digs in the win. Ferris Stte’s defense held the Rangers to a .076 hitting percentage, contributing to the decisive victory.
Ferris State established an early lead against Parkside, capitalizing on a series of errors and strong offensive plays. Gabby Piazza contributed significantly with multiple kills, including a kill at 5-2, while Hayley Wegener assisted on key plays.
The Bulldogs expanded their advantage to 10-4 following a block by Lillian Peterson and Piazza. The Rangers narrowed the gap to 15-14 with a service ace by Natalie Harris. However, FSU responded with a decisive 7-2 run to close out the set, highlighted by kills from Emily May and Emma Bleecher, securing a 25-17 victory.
The Bulldogs secured the second set with a 25-16 victory over the Rangers, capitalizing on a series of errors by the visitors. Piazza and Logyn Geren were instrumental, each contributing multiple kills, with Geren closing the set with a decisive point. Hope Davies delivered two critical service aces, helping to extend Ferris State's lead.
Despite efforts from Parkside's Avary Polavin and Sam Fisch, who each recorded kills, Ferris State maintained control, aided by Wegener's assists.
FSU capitalized on a series of errors by the Rangers to secure a commanding 25-17 victory in the third set. After an initial exchange of points, Ferris State surged ahead with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a block from Peterson and Wegener. Piazza and May each contributed kills to extend the lead.
Despite some service errors, Ferris State maintained control, with Geren recording three kills late in the set. UWP committed a crucial service error on set point, giving Ferris State the win.
Bleecher contributed eight kills and added six digs across three sets. Geren posted an impressive attack percentage of .583 with eight kills and contributed one service ace. Wegener recorded 30 assists and added 10 digs to her efforts. Piazza led with 12 kills, finishing with a .391 hitting percentage.
Fisch emerged as a standout for the Rangers, leading with 10 kills on 18 attempts for a .389 hitting percentage. She contributed defensively with three total blocks, including one solo block, and tallied 12 points.
Lucy Russ played a key role in setting with a team-high 18 assists, while also adding two service aces. Harris provided a strong defensive presence, leading the team with 10 digs and adding a service ace. Polavin also made significant contributions with 10 kills and earned 10 points throughout the match.
The Bulldogs improved to 22-6 overall and concluded regular season play with a 13-3 league mark.
Ferris State will host a GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal-round home contest on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. against an opponent to be announced.