ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University volleyball team proved they belong among the best in the country tonight (Nov. 22) by defeating nationally ranked Northern Kentucky in five games in the NCAA Midwest Regional Semifinals, 19-25, 25-11, 25-17, 19-25 and 15-13.

In the first meeting between SVSU and Northern Kentucky, the Cardinals lost in five games in the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge 3-2 on Oct. 18.

The Cardinals’ explosive offense was led by senior outside hitter Sarah Redoute (Clinton Township, Mich.) who had a double-double on the evening with 18 kills and 14 digs, while freshman middle-hitter Annie Buxton (Aurora, Ont.) chipped in with 16 kills on .394 hitting. Junior setter Kait Harris (Essexville, Mich.) contributed 45 assists.

Senior Carmen Schacher (Flint, Mich.) had a match-high 19 digs. Freshman middle-hitter Katie Fitzgerald was monstrous at the net with a match-high seven block assists.

The win advances the Cardinals to the NCAA Midwest Regional Finals at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 23) against Grand Valley State. The Lakers knocked off Indianapolis 3-1 in the other regional semifinal match tonight.