ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's volleyball team closes out the month of October with a road trip to the Upper Peninsula. The Lakers will take on Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech this weekend in the penultimate weekend of the season.
 
NMU: Live Stats | Video | Friday | 6:00 PM
MTU: Live Stats | Video | Saturday | 2:00 PM
 
Grand Valley State split their games last week, dropping a five-set match to Michigan Tech, then taking down Parkside in five. The 1-1 split moves GVSU to 18-6 overall and second place in the league at 10-2. The Lakers are ranked 21^st nationally and are ranked fourth in the region in the most recent NPI poll.
 
Against the Huskies, GVSU took the first two sets, but MTU answered back with a reverse sweep. Kennedy Arp and Grace Busold each had 14 kills, while Paige Sanders and Finley Arp had 12. Gabby Orlet distributed 46 assists, and Lexi Armstrong recorded 21 digs. On Saturday, Parkside went up 2-1 in the match, but the Lakers took the final two sets. Busold posted 14 kills, while Paige Sanders sent out 13, and Brianna Stawski had 11. Orlet notched 47 assists and Armstrong had 24 assists.
 
Northern Michigan and GVSU met earlier this season, with the Lakers coming away with a 3-0 sweep. After winning set one 27-25, GVSU took the next two by the score 25-19. Paige Sanders and Finley Arp each totaled nine kills to lead the team. Gabby Orlet had 30 assists, while Lexi Armstrong tallied 19 digs. The Lakers recorded 11 blocks, with Kennedy Arp having seven blocks herself.
 
The Wildcats have hit a rough patch lately, dropping four of their past six matches. They lost their last game before the Crossover, then lost two of three in Hammond, before splitting last weekend. They are now 11-12 overall and 7-5 in the GLIAC, tied for third in the conference. Two Wildcats have totaled over 200 kills this season, led by Kaylie McIntosh's 277, which ranks fourth in the conference. Setter Allie Barlow is fourth with 9.87 assists per set, but the Wildcats hit just .193 as a team, fourth worst in the league. Over half of NMU's wins have come on their home court, as they are 6-4 in Marquette.
 
For the second straight week, the Lakers and Huskies will face off, this time up in Houghton. A 2-0 weekend sweep moved MTU to 12-11 this season and in a tie for third in the GLIAC at 7-5. They have the reigning GLIAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week in Reagan Lesley and Keeley Nellis. Outside hitter Rachel Zurek is second in the conference in both kills and kills per set and has recorded double-digit kills in all but four matches this season. The Huskies are still the league's worst blocking team, generating just 1.4 blocks per set.
 
How to Follow
Both games this weekend will be available to follow along with via live stats or live stream through FloSports. For full coverage, follow along on social media @gvsuvolley and online at GVSUlakers.com.