The nationally #17-ranked Ferris State University women's volleyball team beat rival Grand Valley State University in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) contest between the top two teams in the conference on Saturday (Oct. 21). 

The Bulldogs (18-4) came into the contest with the Lakers atop the GLIAC standings with a perfect 10-0 record in conference play. GVSU was in second place at 9-1. After the win Saturday, FSU remained in first place in the GLIAC standings.

Ferris State claimed the first set 25-19 despite hitting just .083 in the set. They were helped by 12 errors from Grand Valley State. The Lakers took the second set 25-20 behind a strong .414 hit percentage.

GVSU pulled ahead 2-1 with a 26-24 victory in the third set. FSU trailed 24-19 and fought their way back to a tie game, but back-to-back points from Grand Valley secured a Laker victory.

FSU rallied in the fourth set and came away with a 25-18 win thanks to a strong .286 hit percentage. For just the third time this season, FSU played into a fifth set. 

The Bulldogs ultimately topped the Lakers 15-9 and claimed a 3-2 match win. Olivia Henneman-Dallape came up big for the Bulldogs in the win, recording a match-high 25 kills on a .356 attack percentage.

Claire Nowicki had 12 kills and Emma Bleecher chipped in 11. Bleecher also had three aces. Leah Bylut had 23 digs, while Nowicki recorded 21. Kaylee Maat had 45 assists. 

In total, the Bulldogs had 13 blocks. Syann Fairfield had six block assists and two solo blocks. Chelsie Freeman had four total blocks.

The Lakers got a strong performance from Jordyn Gates with 13 kills, 20 assists and 25 digs. Sara Wight led with 16 kills.

As a team, the Bulldogs hit .178 for the game compared to .130 for Grand Valley State. FSU had nine aces and GVSU had three. 

The Bulldogs will play another home contest in GLIAC action on Monday, Oct. 23, at 12 p.m. (ET) against Lake Superior State, whom the Bulldogs topped 3-0 on the road earlier this year. Admission for Monday's noon encounter is free.