SOUTHFIELD, MI - In a thrilling five-set Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference battle at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse in Southfield, Michigan, the Lawrence Technological University Blue Devils fended off a fierce comeback to defeat the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers 3-2. The highlight of the night belonged to senior outside hitter
Maria Trevino Nunez, who achieved her 1,000th career kill during the match while delivering a dominant game-high 32 kills alongside 13 digs and 3 blocks.
Lawrence Tech took early control of the match, cruising through the first two sets 25–17 and 25–19 behind set-controlling play from setter Dru Temple and hyper-efficient finishing by Trevino Nunez. Temple was vital to the Blue Devils' offense throughout the night, finishing with a massive 57 assists, 17 digs, and 2 blocks, while Kyndal James provided additional firepower with 14 kills on a stellar .480 hitting percentage. Emily Hagelthorn also made a major impact for LTU, anchoring the defense with 14 digs and serving up 6 aces.
Refusing to back down, UNOH mounted a grit-filled comeback in the third and fourth sets. Led by Gianna San Filippo, who posted 12 kills and 8 blocks, and Lyniah Campbell-Cass with 10 kills, the Racers tightened their net defense to take consecutive sets 25–21 and 25–22. Their balanced offense was powered by setters Allianah Lopez and Paige Hoodlebrink, who combined for 34 assists, while Ashlyn Alexander anchored the back row with 15 digs and 2 service aces. However, Lawrence Tech re-established complete control in the fifth-set decider, leaping out to a 6–1 lead before closing out the set 15–6 to secure the hard-fought conference victory.
