GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport engaged in their GLIAC and home opener all in one tonight by taking on Northwood University. The Panthers thrived in front of an impressive crowd, winning three straight sets against the Timberwolves for the win. Ashley VanderHorst, Krissy Dill and Sydney Tracer had stellar games for the Panthers, leading the way to the teams first ever GLIAC win.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport 3, Northwood 1
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: Davenport 5-4 (1-0), Northwood 6-3 (0-1)


 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-SET SCORES: 27-25, 25-12, 25-20, 25-22
-In the first set Davenport let the win slip through their fingers. The entire set was close and down the stretch the Panthers had two chances for set point. The Timberwolves took advantage of their opportunity late in the set and scored three straight points to go up 1-0.
-With the home crowd at their back the Panthers took the second set by storm. Dill earned three consecutive kills to give DU a 9-3 early lead. Davenport increased their lead, scoring six of seven points to take a 21-10 lead. The Panthers scored four straight points at the end of the set for the dominant 25-12 set win.
-Davenport continued the strong play in the third set, even though the Timberwolves picked up their intensity and focus. The Timberwolves took a 11-9 lead after an attack error by DU and Jenna Asper served DU into four points. The four-point run was capped off by a service ace by the freshman. The game remained close up until late, when the Panthers went on another important four-point run. Following a Kasey Stehouwer serve both VanderHorst and Laura Bouwkamp combined for a block to make it set point. VanderHorst scored the 25^th point on a kill that was assisted by Tracer.
-During the final set Davenport didn't let their lead slip, they finished strong for the match win. The Panthers led 9-4 early and saw six different players earn a kill during that time. The Timberwolves fought back late, putting pressure on Davenport. The Panthers handled the pressure with maturity as senior Dill nailed the game winning kill off the finger tips of an opposing player.
 
COACHES CORNER
Following the win head coach Megan Lenhart said "I was so proud of how the team battled tonight. They focused on the game plan and played confidently as a team. It was great to win our first GLIAC match, but it felt better to execute at the same time."
 
UP NEXT
It is a quick turnaround for DU. The team hosts another GLIAC opponent in Ferris State University, tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. The Bulldogs are currently ranked eighth in NCAA division two.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Photo credit: Tyler Triemstra