Box Score Chris Kendrick (@CKendrick86)
AVE MARIA, Fla. – The Northwood University (Fla.) volleyball team rallied from a first set loss to defeat Ave Maria in three straight sets for a 3-1 win (18-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-11) over the Gyrenes in their Sun Conference season opener at Golisano Field House Wednesday evening.
The Lady Seahawks were powered by a team-high 11 kills from senior middle Sydney Fish (Kalamazoo, Mich.). Fish added three service aces and four blocks in the win. Senior outside hitter Jessy Touron (Brockton, Mass.) and sophomore outside hitter Nikki McKown (Lakeland, Fla.) registered nine kills apiece, while freshman opposite Lexi Schnapf (Venice, Fla.) chipped in eight kills and five blocks. McKown added nine digs and four blocks, and sophomore setter Nicole Papineau (Walnut Creek, Calif.) racked up a game-high 40 assists. Senior libero Ti'Ana Fox (Tucson, Ariz.) snagged a team-high 17 digs, junior outside hitter Veera Hietala (Tampere) had 15 digs and three aces, and senior defensive specialist Anni Polscher (Elmshorn, Germany) had 10 digs.
Gyrenes freshman Lexy Smith tallied a game-high 13 kills in the loss. Sophomore setter Jess Schein had 30 assists, and senior liber Mary Eckard snared a game-high 19 digs.
Northwood improves to 7-4 overall, and 1-0 in The Sun Conference, while Ave Maria drops to 1-4, and 0-1 on the season. The Lady Seahawks return to the court when they host Webber International Friday evening at the Countess de Hoernle Student Life Center. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
NORTHWOOD VOLLEYBALL
