Northern Michigan University’s Jacqueline Smith, center, digs a ball as teammates, from left, Olivia Webber, Madeline Crowley and Lizzy Stark watch the play in the first set of a match against Saginaw Valley State on Oct. 1 at Vandament Arena. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

MARQUETTE — For at least the third time last weekend, a Northern Michigan University team was unable to overcome a nationally ranked opponent.

Add volleyball to the mix as the Wildcats lost a three-set match at home against No. 20 Michigan Tech on Saturday afternoon. The Huskies prevailed 25-12, 25-17, 25-16 to improve to 18-5 overall and a GLIAC-leading 10-1 record in the league. NMU slips to 9-13 and 4-7.

Northern also lost to No. 1 Ferris State in football 44-24 and was swept by No. 2/No. 3 Minnesota State-Mankato in hockey, 4-2 and 7-0.

Lizzy Stark led NMU volleyball with nine kills, though teammate Jacqueline Smith had quality contributions across the board, making eight kills, six digs and three service aces.

In addition, NMU’s Olivia Webber had five kills with just one error and a .400 attack percentage, adding an ace, too. Caylie Barlage had a team-high eight digs along with two aces, while Meghan Meyer made four kills and had the team’s only block, and Lauren Van Remortel made 22 of the team’s 25 set assists along with five digs.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 6-2 lead to open the match with kills by Smith, Stark and Webber, but the Huskies answered with a 6-1 run to go ahead 8-7. MTU broke a 9-9 tie with a 7-0 run that gave it the lead for good in the first set.

NMU also got off to a strong start in the second set, leading 9-5 as Stark and Smith each had two kills and Van Remortel one. But again Tech answered with a 6-0 run to take the lead and pulled away with another run when Northern had been down just 15-14.

Tech changed things up in the final set, jumping out to a 7-0 lead.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.