In an intense and closely-contested match, the University of Michigan volleyball team secured its first Big Ten Conference victory of the 2023 season by defeating Northwestern in four sets (25-23, 24-26, 25-23, 25-20) at Crisler Center on Friday night, October 6th.
Kendall Murray led the Wolverines with 13 kills, with three other Wolverines achieving double-digit kills. Scottee Johnson delivered a double-double performance with 34 assists and 18 digs. Valentina Vaulet recorded a career-high six aces along with 11 kills, while Jacque Boney also contributed 11 kills, and Saj McBurrows set a season-high with 10 kills.
This victory not only marked Michigan’s first Big Ten win of the season but also served as head coach Erin Virtue’s inaugural triumph in Big Ten play.
With the match tied 1-1 after the initial two sets, Michigan (3-11, 1-4 Big Ten) seized the pivotal third set, taking a 2-1 lead in the match. Serena Nyambio and Vaulet teamed up for a block to kick off the third set. Although Northwestern (7-8, 1-4 Big Ten) briefly took the lead, Michigan regained control at 10-9, eventually winning the set 25-23.
With a 2-1 lead, Michigan sprinted to a 6-0 lead in the fourth set, courtesy of kills from McBurrows and Vaulet and a double-block from Nyambio and McBurrows. Despite Northwestern’s efforts to level the score, a kill from Boney at 11-11 ignited a shift in momentum. Michigan extended its lead to 17-13, and although Northwestern closed the gap at 22-19, Michigan claimed victory with a score of 25-20.
Michigan got off to a strong start in the first set, taking it 25-23, and Northwestern narrowly won the second set 26-24.
Looking ahead, the Wolverines will continue their homestand by facing No. 2 Nebraska on Saturday, October 7th, at 8:30 p.m. in Crisler Center. The match will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
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