University Center -- The Saginaw Valley State University Volleyball team bounced back in a big way from a tough defeat on Friday evening, posting a stellar 3-1 victory over nationally 10th-ranked Ferris State University on Saturday (Sep. 21) afternoon in SVSU's O'Neill Arena.
The Cardinals claimed the first two sets by scores of 25-21 and 25-23 to take a 2-0 lead before FSU made the count 2-1 with a 25-19 win in set number three. Saginaw Valley closed-out the match with the 3-1 victory, however, after taking the fourth and final set in a thrilling 29-27 score.
The Cardinals led through the entirety of the first set, not letting the Bulldogs any closer than two points before winning 25-21.
In the second set, SVSU and FSU went point-for-point, 18-18, while setter Hannah Tabit was able to disperse the ball to five different hitters. Senior Olivia Dean was able to drive the final point home on an assist from Tabit to end the set, 25-23, and take the Cardinals to a 2-0 lead.
The Bulldogs fought back in the third set, taking a 14-8 lead en route to winning the frame 25-19 and making the score 2-1.
The fourth set held the most excitement as the largest lead of four points (20-16) came from the Cardinals. That lead was overcome by the Bulldogs and they knotted the score at 27-27. The Cardinals would not be denied the fourth set, however, as Hannah Tabit was able to set up teammates Emily Friesl and Sarah Tabit for the final two points and end the match at 3-1 with a score of 29-27.
Inside the Box Score
- Senior outside hitter Sarah Tabit was named the "Player of the Match" after leading the team in kills with 20 and held the highest hitting percentage of .261
- Setter Hannah Tabit recorded 50 assists, nine digs, two kills, two service aces and one block
- Maria Vukaj was second on the team in kills with 13, recorded 21 digs, had two blocks and one assist
- Emily Friesl recorded the second-highest hitting percentage with .256 and 12 kills and led the team with six blocks.
From Head Coach Will Stanton
"Our serve receive was very solid today and we were able to do some good things with our offense because of that. Our defense also made some big plays at crucial times that helped with our momentum. Hannah Tabit did a great job of moving our offense around and creating the opportunities for our hitters."
Up Next...
The Cardinals hit the road Friday (Sep. 27) as they take on the Michigan Tech Huskies at 7:00 p.m. in the first leg of the annual trip to the Upper Peninsula. You can follow the action live at svsucardinals.com.
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