Box Score UP rivals squared off in Sault Ste. Marie, as Lake Superior State finished its home weekend against Northern Michigan.

Despite a spirited effort, the Lakers (0-10, 0-6 GLIAC) lost in straight sets to NMU (5-9, 4-2 GLIAC), 25-20, 25-19, 25-11.

The Lakers opened with a strong first set, highlighted by two emphatic kills by Valeriya Varnakova. The senior played a key role in tying the score at 12-12 in the first. The Cats went on to build a 21-14 lead, but LSSU rallied, putting NMU under tremendous pressure. A kill by Rachel Steele and a service ace by Madisyn Dykema cut the gap to 22-19 before Northern finished off the set. 

While the Lakers trailed 23-15 late in the second set, another late rally got them back in business. Dykema scored a kill and Jenna DeRosia had an emphatic block in a four-point surge that fed the crowd. But NMU had built a large, early lead in the frame on a seven-point run. Caitlyn Matelski starred in the set, hammering home four kills. She held serve during the four point late-set run, starting the Lakers attack from the service line.

Matelski scored a pair of kills in the third set, but Northern quickly dispatched the Lakers.

LSSU continues its homestand on Friday, October 10^th against Davenport. Opening serve is at 3:00 PM. It's game one of a Lake Superior State doubleheader, with Laker Hockey's home opener to follow at 7:07 PM. Then, on Saturday, October 11^th, the Lakers host Ferris State at 2:00 PM. Buy your tickets online today.