The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad pushed top-seeded and unbeaten Tampa (Fla.) to the limit, but fell in a five-set match 25-15, 25-17, 14-25, 27-25, 15-11 on Thursday (Dec. 11) in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals at the D2 Elite Eight held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

In FSU's second consecutive trip to the D2 Quarterfinals and the fifth in program history, the Bulldogs recorded 67 kills and 63 assists, with eight service aces providing crucial points throughout the match. Tampa's strong defense, highlighted by 92 digs, helped secure the Spartans' victory.

Ferris State began the first set against Tampa with an early lead, securing the first three points, including a service ace by senior Logyn Geren. The Spartans quickly responded, tying the score at 3-3 with Nathaly Perez contributing two kills. The teams traded points, staying closely contested until Tampa gained momentum with a series of kills by Connor Rahn and Jenna Davis, taking a 16-12 edge. Ferris State struggled with attack errors, allowing Tampa to extend its advantage. Despite a late kill from Emily May, Tampa secured the set at 25-15 with Rachel Gregg's decisive kill.

UT also took the second set with a decisive 25-17 win over Ferris State, capitalizing on multiple offensive and defensive contributions. Nathaly Perez and Tess Schrenger led a balanced attack, each delivering key kills, while Jenna Glaudel added a service ace to extend the lead. FSU struggled with errors, allowing Tampa to build momentum early on. Despite a late surge by Ferris State, including kills by Hayley Wegener and Gabby Piazza, Connor Rahn clinched the set for Tampa with a final kill assisted by Kayla Dondero.

Ferris State claimed a decisive 25-14 victory over Tampa in the third set. The Bulldogs started strong, capitalizing on multiple errors by UT's Nathaly Perez to jump to a 4-0 lead. Wegener and Lyndsey Urick contributed significant points, with Wegener connecting on a kill at 8-2. Despite some resistance from Tampa, Ferris State maintained control, with Piazza and May adding crucial kills. The set concluded with Wegener delivering the final point from a pass by Hope Davies, sealing the set for the Bulldogs at 25-14.

Tampa garnered an early advantage in the fourth set, leading 8-4, with Rahn delivering multiple kills. Ferris State narrowed the gap to 10-7 through Wegener's efforts, who later added two more kills, bringing the visitors within three points at 16-13. As the set progressed, FSU managed to tie the score at 21-21 with Piazza's consistent attacking play, which included two consecutive kills and a service ace from Geren. In the final moments, Geren contributed back-to-back kills to overcome Tampa, sealing the set 27-25 for Ferris State.

The fifth set began with Tampa taking a quick 2-0 lead, highlighted by Rahn's kill from Schrenger. Ferris State responded with Piazza's kill, assisted by Wegener, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Tampa maintained pressure, extending the lead to 10-5, capitalizing on attack errors from the Bulldogs. Although Ferris State attempted a comeback with consecutive kills by Geren and Urick, Tampa's Schrenger secured the final point with a kill from Glaudel, concluding the set and match at 15-11.

Geren led Ferris State with 14 kills and added four aces, accumulating a team-high 20 points. Wegener contributed significantly with 48 assists and complemented her playmaking with 18 digs. Hope Davies bolstered the defensive effort by recording 19 digs during the match. Emma Bleecher provided support with eight kills and ten digs.

Connor Rahn led Tampa with a standout performance, contributing 25 kills on 60 attempts with a hitting percentage of .317. Rahn also added 20 digs and two blocks, leading the team with 26.5 points. Schrenger was pivotal in defense, recording 25 digs and scoring 12.5 points through 11 kills and two blocks. Jenna Davis made significant contributions at the net with five total blocks and a hitting percentage of .429, securing 8.5 points. Ana Rivera was also strong defensively, achieving 19 digs, which was a key component of the team's backcourt stability.

Ferris State closed the 2025 campaign with a 27-8 overall record while Tampa improved to 32-0 on the year.

The Bulldogs made their 29th all-time NCAA D2 Tournament appearance this year and the 14th consecutive berth in program history.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Ferris State Athletics & Abe Kraus.}