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Unique experience: Northern Michigan University Wildcats to play exhibition volleyball match on Mackinac Island to celebrate Title IX anniversary

Northern Michigan University’s Jacqueline Smith, center, has her hit blocked by a pair of Saginaw Valley State defenders in the first set of their GLIAC match on Oct. 1 at Vandament Arena in Marquette. The Wildcats’ Lauren Van Remortel is at right. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

Match info:

• NMU vs. Central Michigan University exhibition volleyball match, at Mackinac Island Public School

• Tickets $10, available online starting Monday at nmu.universitytickets.com

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MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University volleyball team will be involved in a unique early season match in August that is helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, part of the Education Amendments Act signed into law on June 23, 1972.

Northern Michigan University's Angelina Negron, right, takes the ball in her face on a hit by Saginaw Valley State's Olivia Waszak, center, in the fourth set of their GLIAC volleyball match on Oct. 1 at Vandament Arena in Marquette. The Wildcats' Lauren Van Remortel, second from right, attempts to hit the ball. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

Title IX, a 37-word clause in the legislation that was intended as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, has been and continues to be credited for providing more equal opportunities for women in sports.

The volleyball Wildcats will face NCAA Division I Central Michigan in an exhibition match to be played on Mackinac Island between the Upper and Lower peninsulas. The match is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Playing at Mackinac Island Public School, the match will kick off the season for both schools at the school’s small gymnasium.

“I could not be more excited to host the first collegiate match on Mackinac Island with Central Michigan volleyball,” NMU head coach Mike Lozier said in a news release announcing the event. “This is going to be an experience unlike any other for the athletes, coaches and spectators.

“I cannot thank the residents on Mackinac Island enough, specifically those associated with Mackinac Island Public Schools, for their support as we try to create an unforgettable memory.”

CMU head coach Mike Gawlik had similar sentiments.

“We have had the idea of getting our athletes to Mackinac Island for a few years,” Gawlik said. “The opportunity to not only visit the island, but play an NCAA volleyball match there, is really special for our athletes and their families.

“Not only will we be able to test ourselves against Northern Michigan, but it will also provide a first-class experience for our program. We are excited that our administrations, as well as the Mackinac Island Public Schools, shared in that vision of bringing elite women’s athletics to a unique venue on the 50th anniversary of Title IX.”

Tickets will go on sale at NMU starting Monday for $10 each, and due to the small size of the gym, ticket numbers are quite limited.

Tickets can be purchased online at nmu.universitytickets.com.

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

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