GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Riding a six-match winning streak, the Davenport University women's volleyball team will open GLIAC play with a pair of matches this weekend. The Panthers host Michigan Tech on Friday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. before traveling to Hammond, Indiana, to face Purdue Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m.

Davenport enters conference play with a 6-1 overall record, with its lone loss coming against Ashland in the opening match of the 2026 season. The Panthers went undefeated at their own Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Classic last weekend, earning victories over Seton Hill, Northwood, Slippery Rock and Cedarville without playing a five-set match.

True freshman Savannah Weathers made an immediate impact during the second day of the tournament, recording 11 kills against Slippery Rock before adding a career-high 14 against Cedarville. Karley Pretzer totaled 38 kills across the four matches, highlighted by 15 against Seton Hill and 16 against Slippery Rock.

Amelia Werner provided production on both sides of the net, finishing the weekend with 32 kills and 15 total blocks. Her best defensive performance came against Northwood, when she recorded seven blocks to go along with eight kills. Jaide Wirth added 32 kills during the tournament, reaching double figures against both Slippery Rock and Cedarville.

Scouting the Opponents 
Michigan Tech
About the Huskies

• Michigan Tech enters GLIAC play with a 4-4 overall record, earning victories over Cal State East Bay, Winona State, St. Edward's and Midwestern State. All four of MTU's losses have come in five sets.
• After facing Davenport, the Huskies will travel to Saginaw Valley State for a 2 p.m. match on Saturday, Sept. 12.
• Senior Rachel Zurek leads Michigan Tech with 145 kills, while freshman Kayla Heinonen has added 78 kills and a team-high 11 service aces.
• Sophomore Madelynn Kreider has dished out a team-high 338 assists, while Keeley Nellis leads the defense with 132 digs and Tricia Kennedy has collected a team-high 25 blocks.
• Head coach Cindy Pindral is in her second season leading the Huskies, while Mallory Nickelson is in her fourth season as an assistant coach.

Purdue Northwest 
About the Lions

• Purdue Northwest enters the weekend with a 2-5 overall record, earning victories over Illinois Springfield and Nova Southeastern. Each of the Lions' five losses has come in three sets. PNW will open GLIAC play against Northern Michigan on Friday, Sept. 11, before facing Davenport on Saturday.
• Senior outside hitter Anika Huelskamp leads the Lions with 56 kills, including a season-high 18 in their most recent match against Nova Southeastern. She is also tied for the team lead with 44 digs.
• Freshman setter Addison Smith has directed the offense with a team-high 107 assists. Defensively, Kennedy Rowzee leads PNW with 24 total blocks while contributing 29 kills.
• Head coach Sean Douglas is in his fifth season leading the program, while assistant coach Mary Douglas is also entering her fifth season with the Lions.

Live Coverage: 
Friday, Sept. 11th: Live Video // Live Stats
Saturday, Sept. 12th: Live Video // Live Stats