East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team secured a comeback victory against Northern Illinois University, winning 3-2 at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. This marks the third reverse sweep for the Eagles this season, equaling their record from 2014.

Eastern Michigan's win improved their overall record to 12-10 and 6-2 in Mid-American Conference play. Abby Stanford led the offense with a career-high of 18 kills and a .533 hitting percentage. Kaili Doctor also contributed significantly with 13 kills.

On defense, Hannah Blaney recorded 18 digs, while Ava Siefke and Taylor Smith added 14 and 10 digs respectively. Smith also achieved her third double-double of the season by adding 17 assists. Ella Voorhees secured her seventh double-double with 30 assists and ten digs.

In blocking, Hatteras Welker contributed eight blocks, while Maddie Stayer added five.

The match unfolded with Eastern losing the first two sets (25-15, 25-23) before rallying to win the next three (25-18, 25-23, and finally clinching it at 15-10). Notably, Ella Voorhees led in assists for the sixteenth time this year with her first match reaching thirty assists.

Stanford achieved a career-best in kills for three of her last four matches. Taylor Smith has consistently performed well in recent games with multiple double-doubles. Doctor continues to deliver strong performances as well.

Blaney leads the MAC in digs and stands seventh nationally in this category. Siefke reached double-digit digs for the ninth time this season during this match.

Statistically, Eastern outperformed NIU in several areas including total kills (63 to NIU's 60), blocks (12 to NIU's ten), and hitting percentage (.217 compared to NIU's .160).

Historically speaking, Thursday’s game was significant as it marked Eastern’s first home victory over NIU since November of 2019. The Eagles have now achieved six conference wins for the first time since that same year.

Looking ahead, Eastern will face Western Michigan University on October 18th at home.