Michigan Tech Huskies Volleyball Season Ends with 3-1 Loss in GLIAC Semifinals
The 2023 Michigan Tech Huskies volleyball season concluded with a 3-1 loss to No. 25 Grand Valley State in the GLIAC Tournament semifinals. The Lakers secured the victory with set scores of 25-13, 25-10, 23-25, and 25-16. The Huskies, who finished the season with a 15-16 overall record, made their seventh consecutive trip to the GLIAC Semifinals.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Huskies coach Matt Jennings commended Grand Valley State’s strong performance, acknowledging their exceptional offense and solid defense. The Lakers’ offensive prowess was evident as they hit .389, with six different players contributing at least two kills. Grand Valley State dominated the first two sets, hitting .394 and .429, respectively.
Following a 2-0 deficit, the Huskies staged a comeback in the third set, securing a 25-23 win. Meg Raabe led the charge with seven kills in the third set, while Lindy Oujiri added five. However, Grand Valley State responded in the fourth set, ultimately closing out the match with a 25-16 victory.
Despite the loss, several Huskies players delivered strong performances. Raabe led the team with 13 kills, with Oujiri adding 11 in her final match for the Black and Gold. Tess Hayes played a key role in setting up the attack, tallying 27 assists and 13 digs. Additionally, Amelia Albers anchored the back row with 15 digs, marking her 16th consecutive match with double-digit digs.
The match against Grand Valley State also marked the final appearance for seniors Lindy Oujiri, Zoe Rhines, Lauren Richards, Leiya Rybicki, and Kate Walch. Coach Jennings expressed gratitude for the seniors’ contributions and leadership throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Jennings reflected on the team’s journey, noting significant victories and the challenges faced, including injuries and a demanding schedule. Despite the season’s transitionary nature, Jennings expressed optimism for the future, citing the team’s resilience and the promising talent set to join the roster in the upcoming season.
In closing, Jennings emphasized the team’s achievements, including postseason advancement, notable victories, and individual recognitions within the GLIAC. With a strong foundation and a talented incoming class, the Michigan Tech Huskies are poised for a bright future in volleyball.