SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - In a thrilling five-set Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) battle at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse in Southfield, Michigan, the Lawrence Technological University women's volleyball team outlasted Defiance College 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 25-12, 26-28, 15-11).
The evening was highlighted by a milestone achievement for senior setter Dru Temple, who eclipsed 2,000 career assists behind a stellar 40-assist performance. Temple also registered 13 digs, four service aces, and two block assists to anchor the Blue Devils' offense throughout the tight match.
After dropping the opening set 25-16, Lawrence Tech rallied back to take the next two sets 25-22 and a dominant 25-12. Defiance fought back in a marathon fourth set, staving off match points to claim a 28-26 win and force a deciding fifth set. In the final set, the Blue Devils surged ahead early with six straight points behind Temple's serve and held on for a 15-11 victory.
Key Performers for Lawrence Tech:
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Maria Trevino Nunez: Match-high 23 kills, 3 aces, 11 digs, and 26.0 total points.
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Chloe Winchell: 13 kills, 17 digs, and 2 aces.
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Ella Aberlich: 11 kills and a team-high 5 total blocks.
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Dru Temple: 40 assists, 13 digs, 4 aces, and 2 blocks (surpassing 2,000 career assists).
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Emily Haglethorn: Match-high 23 digs and 5 assists from the libero spot.
With the victory, Lawrence Tech improves to 12-10 overall and 4-5 in WHAC play.
