UP Gazette

Northern Michigan University (NMU) Athletics had a busy weekend from September 20 to 22, with several teams competing in various sports.

The NMU volleyball team achieved two victories over the weekend, improving their overall record to 6-3 and 2-0 in conference play. They first defeated Parkside with a 3-0 score, marking their best hitting percentage as a team since October 29, 2022. Allie Barlow set a career-high with six kills and contributed 34 assists. Meghan Meyer and McKenzie Gruner combined for 19 kills and a .600 attack percentage. In another match, the team made a comeback victory after being down 2-1, winning two straight sets. Barlow tied her career-high with five service aces, while Meyer recorded a season-best of 14 kills and three solo blocks. The team also amassed 72 digs.

In cross country, NMU placed eighth out of 24 teams at the Roy Griak Invite on Friday. Madi Szymanski led the Wildcats with a time of 23:41.0, finishing in 20th place. Dani Van Lente took second for the Wildcats in 26th place, Gianna Hoving finished in 32nd place with a time of 24:08.5, and Lamar Gordon placed 50th with a time of 24:29.9.

The women's soccer team had mixed results over the weekend, ending with an overall record of 3-2-1 and standing at 1-1 in GLIAC play. They lost narrowly to No.1 Grand Valley by a score of 1-0 despite Sally Patton making a career-high five saves. However, they bounced back with a dominant win against Davenport, securing a decisive victory of 3-0 thanks to goals from Hannah Kastamo, Allison Kroll, and Brooke Pietila. Irene Kiilunen earned her first career point while Patton secured her second career shutout with three saves.

Men's soccer now holds an overall record of 3-1-1 and is yet to secure a win in GLIAC play after suffering a close loss to St. Cloud State by one goal (2-1). Alessandro Scialanga scored his third goal in two games during this match while Jan Hoffmann recorded his first assist of the season.

In football action during homecoming weekend, NMU faced Alma College but fell short with a final score of 44-27. Nico Lukkarinen contributed two rushing touchdowns while Michael Love had an impressive performance with seven receptions for over one hundred yards and one touchdown reception.