Set one played out what was
forecasted when the visiting Lions roared to a 16–11 lead. Northland International University appeared a
little tentative on defense and gave away points, falling behind 15–21 at one
point. Coach Herron was trying to find an answer in a timeout at 16–21. “I
encouraged them to compete at least for the remainder of the set and then we
can regroup.” Set two saw a lineup change and a better match up for Northland. Beth
Leeds patrolled the net with kills and blocks, and a 12–4 lead was increased to
19–6, largely on some great serving by Alicia Kellogg. An Ellie Hodak kill gave
Northland a 23–7 lead, and a strong serve by Kellogg was followed by an ace by Abi Walker
to take set two, 25–8. Set three found the home team Pioneers down 15–17.
Brittany Scott pulled her team back in with back-to-back kills, including a
great “line-shot.” The Pioneer offense then went dry, and Finlandia pushed a
21–18 lead. A Northland timeout was had, and the team pulled together to score three
straight to get a 21–21 tie. A Beth Leeds kill helped keep the score tied at
23–23. Hodak contributed a timely swing to get a 24–23 lead, and then Melissa
Moissant finished off the set with an ace for a 2–1 set lead. Set four had Northland
run from behind a 5–8 deficit to an 11–8 lead on serving by Brittany Cournoyer
who had three aces in the run. The lead was short lived as Fin-U crept back to a
19–18 lead. Strong defense gave the Pioneer offense chances, and a Hodak kill
gave the lead back at 20–19. Another Hodak kill, followed by a Chelsea Behn kill,
pushed the Northland lead to 23–20. Ellie Hodak put in a deceptive “tip” kill to get
her team to match point and “M’s” finished it off with an ace to win 25–20.
“This was a good win against a good
team. We lost in five at their gym, and I saw a very determined effort tonight.
This is the time of year you want to peak and perform. We need to continue to
play well as a team,” commented Coach Herron afterward.
Northland International University plays at home on Friday, October 22,
against Mount Mary at 4 p.m. and then against Grace Bible College at 8 p.m. On Saturday the
team hosts three other teams with matches at 11 a.m. with GBC again, followed by a 1 p.m.
match with Kuyper, and then Emmaus at 3 p.m. The Midwest Regional Tournament is at the end of next week on October 29–30
in Lansing at Great Lakes CC.