UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University women's volleyball team defeated the Michigan Tech University Huskies today (10/23), 3-2. The Cardinals improve to 12-8 on the season and sit second place in the GLIAC North with a 10-3 conference record. Michigan Tech falls to 0-14 in the conference and 2-20 overall with the loss.

The Cardinals gained momentum early in the contest by jumping out to a quick 10-5 lead eventually taking the first set by a 25-18 count. Saginaw Valley continued their aggressiveness in the second set by winning 25-14 to go up 2-0 over the Huskies. Michigan Tech found momentum in the third set and took an 18-10 advantage but the Cardinals cut the lead to 23-22 before the Huskies ultimately won 25-23. The Cardinals were unable to stave off the Husky attack in the fourth as they tied up the match with a 25-19 victory to force a deciding fifth set. The Cardinals came out strong in the fifth set to close out the Huskies with a 15-10 decision.

The Cardinals were led by senior libero Laura Ward (White Lake, Mich./Lakeland HS) who earned "Chili's Player of the Match" honors with 16 digs in the thrilling five-set victory. Fellow senior Annie Buxton (Aurora, Ont./Aurora SS) recorded 14 kills, 14 digs and four block-assists. Katie Fitzgerald (Whitby, Ont./Sinclair SS) posted ten kills and three block-assists, while freshman Kelsey Ferla (Lincoln Park, Mich./Gabriel Richard) added nine kills and 11 digs in the win. Junior Sam Breault (Bad Axe, Mich.) finished the match with a match-high 39 assists, while Becky Schroeder (Owosso, Mich./Northwood University) added eight kills and three block-assists.

With the victory, the Cardinals now sit alone in second place in the GLIAC North Division and third overall in the conference.

Saginaw Valley will attempt to extend their winning streak as they play host to the Grand Valley State Lakers on Wednesday (10/26) for a 7:00 pm contest.