ASHLAND, Ohio - No. 4-seeded Ashland University rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat No. 5 Northern Michigan University in five sets for a second-time in 2012, this time in the GLIAC tournament quarterfinals, 23-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-22, 15-7, in Ohio.
During the regular season, NMU failed to convert on three match points in the fourth set in a 25-16, 20-25, 20-25, 29-27, 15-10 loss at Ashland.
The Eagles (23-7 overall) also eliminated the Wildcats (20-12) from the GLIAC semifinals last season in three sets on Ohio.
Three Wildcats finished with 10-plus kills as junior Kalli Herron had a team-high 15, junior Lina Lopes finished with 13 and freshman Lisa Studnicka had 11.
The Wildcats' blocking attack wasn't as successful, however.
NMU finished with only seven team blocks, led by senior Jasmine Calhoun's six block assists. Herron had four block assists and junior Sarah Hamilton had the lone solo block.
Senior Kalin Zimmerman finished with a team-high 23 digs and junior Kellisha Harley had 45 assists.
For Ashland, Brittany Snider had 20 kills, down from the 29 she had during the regular season against NMU. Baley Bernthisel had 15 kills for the Eagles.