HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Davenport University women's volleyball team fell to Michigan Tech in a tightly contested five-set match on Friday evening at the Student Development Gym, with scores of 25-23, 17-25, 22-25, 25-22, 11-15.

Despite the loss, Ashley Areco notched a career-high 40 assists for the Panthers to go along with eight digs and four total blocks. 

Davenport opened the first set with a steady performance, with Kaitlin Jordan securing the first point through a kill assisted by Ashley Arceo. The team maintained momentum with Karley Pretzer and Madison Berry contributing with critical kills, allowing them to hold a narrow lead against the Huskies throughout the set. In the middle stages, Davenport capitalized on the Huskies' service errors and executed well-timed kills by Abby Alan and Livi Overbeek, which extended their advantage. Defensive efforts and precise setting from Hayley Carr enabled the team to fend off MTU's attempts to close the gap. As the set drew to a close, Davenport withstood a late push from the Huskies, with Pretzer's consistent scoring and Alan's decisive kill sealing the set at 25-23. The team concluded the set maintaining a narrow lead over the Huskies.

Davenport started the second set with significant momentum, as Overbeek and Alan led the charge with multiple kills, pushing the team to a 5-1 lead. However, the Huskies responded with a series of successful plays to edge ahead. Davenport kept the contest close through Alan's consistent offensive efforts, but the Huskies gradually widened their lead. Despite a late push by Davenport, which included a block from Jordan and Tydings, the Huskies capitalized on errors to close the set. The second set concluded with the Huskies leading 25-17.

Davenport initiated the third set with a series of effective plays, as Alan and Jordan each recorded early kills to establish momentum. Arceo's setting facilitated a run, with Jordan contributing multiple blocks and kills to push the score to 8-3 in Davenport's favor. Despite a mid-set surge by the Huskies, which saw them close the gap to 10-10, Davenport responded with kills from Pretzer and Jordan, regaining a slim lead. As the set progressed, the score remained tight, with both teams exchanging points. Pretzer and Alan combined for crucial kills, maintaining a narrow advantage for Davenport at 19-18. However, the Huskies capitalized on a few key errors from Davenport, allowing them to inch ahead late in the set. Despite a resilient effort with a late kill by Jordan, the Huskies ultimately secured the set with a final score of 25-22.

Davenport opened the fourth set with an initial advantage after an attack error by the Huskies' Madelynn Kreider. The teams traded points early until Davenport's Abby Alan delivered a series of kills, aided by assists from Ashley Arceo, to propel the team to a 10-4 lead. A service ace by Hayley Carr helped maintain momentum during this stretch. The Huskies attempted to rally, closing the gap to 14-14, bolstered by consecutive service aces from Amelia Albers. However, Davenport quickly regained control with kills from Sydney Swan and continued contributions from Alan, coupled with a service ace from Arceo, extending the lead to 16-14. As the set progressed, Davenport maintained their edge with key kills from Kaitlin Jordan and Sydney Swan. Despite late kills from the Huskies' Paige Wagner, Davenport closed the set with a 25-22 win, secured by an attack error from Brooke Dzwik, sealing the victory.

Davenport entered the fifth set with a need to shift momentum, trailing early but quickly responding. Abby Alan and Kaitlin Jordan delivered key kills, maintaining parity at 2-2. However, the Huskies capitalized on their offensive opportunities, extending their lead to 8-4 with a series of kills facilitated by Madelynn Kreider. Davenport fought back with kills from Karley Pretzer and Sydney Swan, narrowing the gap to 10-8. Despite their efforts, turnovers and errors allowed the Huskies to maintain control. A late kill from Brooke Dzwik and an attack error by Sydney Swan sealed the set at 15-11, resulting in a victory for the Huskies.

Kaitlin Jordan recorded five total blocks, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Abby Alan led the team in scoring with 24 points, adding 22 kills and two service aces over the match. Hayley Carr anchored the defense with 22 digs, maintaining stability in the back row.

Up Next
The Panthers will finish their trip to Michigan's upper peninsula in Marquette, Mich. at Vandament Arena against Northern Michigan.