After a six-day lapse in game play, Ashland University’s volleyball team split the weekend’s matches, defeating Michigan Tech but falling to Northern Michigan.

The Eagles started off slow against Michigan Tech (Sept. 17) but scored key points down the stretch to win three straight sets convincingly. Northern Michigan (Sept. 18) proved they are no fluke by continuing their undefeated season, defeating AU 3-1.

Michigan Tech took the early lead in the opening sets but was unable to secure the win in either as Ashland took both, 25-21 and 25-10. The Eagles turned it on in the third set, winning easily 25-11.

Outside hitter Brittney Snider totaled 21 kills on 37 attempts while committing only four errors giving her a hitting percentage of .459. Away from the net, Snider also served four aces.

Freshman outside hitter Kate Eckels earned a double-double with a match-high 15 digs and 10 kills.

AU finished their season opening nine-game road trip by playing the GLIAC North Division’s only undefeated team. The Northern Michigan Wildcats (9-0, 5-0) took the first two sets against AU Saturday, 21-25 and 14-25, before AU fought back and took the third set 25-14.

Ashland hitters struggled against the defense of the Wildcats, causing AU to drop the fourth and final set, 19-25.

Eckels led the Eagles with 12 kills while junior libero Arian Martin had a match-high 11 digs.

The Eagles play their first match at home this season against No. 8 Indianapolis Wednesday (Sept.22). Play is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in Kates Gymnasium.