by Big Rapids, Mich. – For the third consecutive year, the Ferris State University women’s volleyball squad has advanced to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Championship match as the Bulldogs topped Rockhurst (Mo.) 3-1 in the regional semifinals on Friday (Dec. 1) night in St. Louis, Mo.
Ferris State will advance to the regional final to face either top-seeded Missouri-St. Louis or fifth-seeded Grand Valley State on Saturday (Dec. 2) evening at 8 p.m. (ET).
Rockhurst won the opening set over the Bulldogs by a 26-24 score, but Ferris State responded for its second NCAA Tourney win in as many days, taking the next three frames to put the match away.
FSU won the second set 25-22 before scoring a 25-18 win in the third followed by a 25-15 decision in the fourth set to claim the victory.
Ferris State got a balanced effort overall as four hitters totaled 10 kills or more to help the FSU cause. Middle hitter Syann Fairfield led the way with 14 kills while Hannah Tecumseh added 12 kills, Olivia Henneman-Dallape totaled 11 kills and Claire Nowicki produced 10 kills.
The Bulldogs were again strong defensively with libero Leah Bylut notching 28 digs and Nowicki netting 22 digs. Kenzy Corstange notched 15 digs with Ferris State totaling 90 overall.
FSU also got 45 assists and eight digs from setter Kaylee Maat.
The Bulldogs hit .230 for the match, finishing with 58 kills and 17 attack errors on 178 attempts. FSU also garnered 12 block assists, five service aces and four solo blocks.
On the flip side, Rockhurst was limited to a .136 attack figure. The Hawks totaled 49 kills and 25 attack errors on 177 tries. In addition, RU notched 93 digs and finished with eight block assists, six aces and a solo block.
The Bulldogs improved to 26-7 overall with the win. This year marks FSU’s 12th consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and 27th all-time in program history.
Saturday night’s regional final can be watched on a pay-per-view basis thru the NCAA and HUDL at www.NCAA.com.
