UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University volleyball team completed a weekend sweep of Lake Superior State University with a three-set win Sunday at the Hamilton Gymnasium.
The Cardinals stormed through the first set 25-11, but LSSU battled in the second, pushing SVSU to extra points. The Cardinals held on 26-24 to go up 2-0 and won the third set 25-22 for the team's first home victory of the season.
The win pushes SVSU to 2-6 overall and 2-6 in the GLIAC this season.
"The team has seen its improvement, but you need to see the results in the win column to back up the confidence we have been building," SVSU Head Coach Will Stanton said.
The Cardinals were led on offense with 15 kills from Maria Vukaj. She added 12 digs on defense in the win.
"Maria is pivotal to our success," Stanton said. "She wants to be the go-to hitter and she is connecting with the setters more each game. She is going to be key to our team as we develop some of our younger hitters."
Setter Peyton Gerstacker finished with 25 assists and eight digs as she continues to improve in her new role for the Cardinals this season.
"Peyton is getting better every weekend," Stanton said. "She sees the court incredibly well. To change to this position at this stage of her career is a huge step, and we are starting to see glimpses of the setter that she can be."
Libero Kelsey Vittitow recorded a team-high 16 digs, while Emily Friesl led the team with five total blocks.
The Cardinals remain home for the final two regular-season games at Hamilton Gymnasium, as SVSU welcomes Michigan Tech starting at 5 pm Friday in University Center, Mich.