GREEN BAY, Wis. – It was a big night at the Kress Center Friday, as the Green Bay volleyball team celebrated Attacking Alzheimer's Night with a sweep of the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons. The win moved the Phoenix's record to 14-6 overall and 7-2 in Horizon League action. GB has now won three straight.
Diane Pichelman led the team with 12 kills on the night while finishing with a hitting percentage of .333. The Phoenix had three players reach double figures in digs, including Kennedy Schmitz's 14, 11 from Alexa Hernandez, and 10 from Macy Kline. Hernandez secured a double-double, also dishing out 30 assists.
"Attacking Alzheimer's is always such a special evening for our program," said head coach Abbey Sutherland. "It gives our players an opportunity to play for something bigger than themselves. I'm incredibly grateful for their support because sharing my story and being vulnerable isn't always easy. But I know how important it is, and I know it can make a positive impact on so many people. Thank you to all the fans who came out and supported this cause. You are making a difference, and we look forward to announcing our fundraising total soon!"
Sutherland continued, "On the court, this was a total team effort. I was really impressed with Kayla Birmingham, who was a game changer coming off the bench. She made a difference in so many areas of the game. Macy Kline was scrappy in the backcourt and did a great job leading our defense. Alexa ran the show and made some outstanding defensive plays of her own. Kirsten Fish continues to prove she can be a real offensive threat, and Riley Schmitz came in and did a fantastic job from the service line, which was huge for us. Kendall also came up with some really clutch digs when we needed them. Overall, just a great team win. One of the things I keep hearing from our fans is how much fun this team is to watch. I love hearing that because I think it speaks to how we compete, how we play together, and the energy this group brings to the court. We certainly didn't disappoint tonight, and I'm proud of this team!"
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 | The Phoenix never trailed in the first set after starting the set off with a 9-1 run. The Mastodons brought it back to 22-19, but the Phoenix responded and scored three of the next four to close it out 25-20. Green Bay had three aces in the first set.
SET 2 | Green Bay carried momentum from a set-one win by securing a 25-23 victory in set two. The Phoenix trailed by as many as six points at 9-3 but battled back and eventually took the lead at 24-23. Pichelman closed the second set with one of her 12 kills on the night.
SET 3 | Green Bay took set three 25-18 to finish off the match. PFW led 11-9 before a 4-0 GB run flipped the set. The third set was Green Bay's most efficient offensively on the night, racking up 12 kills on a .250 hitting percentage.
GAME NOTES
» Green Bay outhit the visitors .199 to .119.
» Kayla Birmingham and Olivia Neumann had a match-high two aces each.
» Green Bay gained a game in the HL standings on NKU, who fell to RMU 3-2 Friday night.
» GB's all-time record moved to 13-8 after the win.
ON THE HORIZON
Green Bay will play another home game tomorrow against IU Indy at 12:30 p.m. CT before hitting the road next weekend for a pair of games at Cleveland State. The Phoenix and Vikings will first square off Friday night at 5 p.m. CT before game two on Saturday at noon CT.
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