UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – For the first time with fans in the stands this season, in a limited capacity, the Saginaw Valley State University volleyball team opened a two-match weekend series with No. 22 (T) Michigan Tech Friday at the James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena.

The Huskies jumped out to an early two-set lead with 25-13 and 25-17 wins in the opening frames. SVSU rebounded and led the third 20-19 before Michigan Tech closed the match with the final six points and took the series-opening victory.

The loss drops SVSU to 2-7 this season overall and in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Cardinals were led by seven kills from Rylee Zimmer. Maria Vukaj and Haley Clum each added five kills.

Peyton Gerstacker recorded a team-high 20 assists, while the SVSU defense was led by five digs each from Kelsey Vittitow and Addison Bouza. SVSU finished with 15 total blocks, including five from Zimmer and four by Emily Friesl.

Olivia Ghormley led the Huskies with 15 kills, while Laura De Marchi finished with a match-high 38 assists.

The Cardinals will honor Friesl in a pregame Senior Day ceremony prior to the start of the series finale with Michigan Tech scheduled for 2 pm Saturday at the James E. O'Neill Arena.