GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport and Ferris State provided a thrilling match to watch in the DU Student Center. The two teams went on streaks throughout the match and almost needed extra points in the fifth set to determine a winner. In the end, the Bulldogs pulled out the victory with a 15-13 win in the final set. The Panthers rattled the Bulldogs during the third and fourth set, completely taking Ferris State out of their game. The Bulldogs were able to gather themselves when it was needed to pull out the win.
GAME INFORMATION
Final Score: Davenport 2, Ferris State 3
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: Davenport 9-8 (4-4), Ferris State 13-3, (8-0)
HOW IT HAPPENED
-SET SCORES: 21-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-14, 13-15
-The Bulldogs flexed their muscles in the first set, quickly jumping to a 5-1 lead. Ferris State built their lead up 17-12 and then later to 23-15. With their backs against the wall Davenport responded with four straight points to bring themselves within four points. Ferris State stay composed and earned a kill for the set win.
-Davenport started to find some chinks in the Bulldogs armor. The Panthers were down three points, 12-9, and then scored five unanswered points to take a 14-12 lead. Davenport didn't slow down and went up 17-14 following a timeout by Ferris State. The Bulldogs finished the set winning 11 of the 16 points to take a commanding two to nothing set lead.
-The momentum shifted drastically in the third set towards the Panthers. Ferris State was leading 11-6 in the set, then the Panthers found the Bulldogs weak spots. Davenport scored six straight points to take a 12-11 lead. The Panthers took advantage of the momentum and after back to back kills by
Hayley Kreiger took a 21-16 advantage. The set ended with kills by Kreiger,
Megan Herr, and
Ashley VanderHorst to keep Davenport alive.
-Davenport took over in the fourth set, building up an 8-3 lead and forcing Ferris State to take a timeout before 10 points had even been played. The Panthers pulled away from the Bulldogs shortly after, scoring six unanswered. During the stretch
Jenn Kay Vander Meer and Kreiger each had one kill. The big runs towards the beginning of the set completely shook the Bulldogs and Davenport easily won the fourth set 25-14, forcing a fifth set to 15 points.
-The entire fifth set was thrilling, regardless of which team you were rooting for. Davenport took a 5-3 after winning three straight points, forcing a timeout by the Bulldogs. After the timeout Ferris State won two straight to tie the set 5-5. The teams went back and forth, with the set remaining tied 10-10. Davenport won two points to take a 12-10 lead. The Bulldogs showed why they are the number six team in the country. With the match on the line Ferris State won five of the final six points to win. Head Coach for Davenport
Megan Lenhart took two timeouts down the stretch to break up the mojo Ferris State had down the stretch, but the Bulldogs remained unbeaten in GLIAC play with their clutch play down the stretch.
STAT LEADERS
Kills-Kreiger (13)
Aces-VanderHorst (4)
Blocks-
Jessica Marvin (8)
Assists-
Sami White (24)
Digs-
Kasey Stehouwer (23)
DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Vander Meer: 12 kills and 15 digs
White: 24 assists and 13 digs
UP NEXT
The Panthers turn around and host Northwood University on Saturday, Sep 29. This game will be played less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the Ferris State game. The first serve will happen at 5 p.m.
Story by:
Devin Steiner
Picture credit: Alexis Hoffman
