Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University volleyball team is preparing for its final two regular season matches this week. The Warriors, who hold a 19-5 overall record and are 11-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), will host Grand Valley State on Thursday and Purdue Northwest on Friday. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the Matthaei Center.

Head coach Tim Koth commented on the upcoming games, stating, "We're looking forward to the final two regular season matches at the Matthaei. It should be great competition as we celebrate Pride and Family this weekend."

Senior Kayla Giroux was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week for the fourth time this season, bringing her career total to eight conference weekly honors. Last week, Giroux recorded a .538 hitting percentage with 39 kills and only four errors over 65 attacks during two road victories for Wayne State. In those matches, she achieved 14 kills against Lake Superior State and set a career high with 25 kills against Saginaw Valley State.

Wayne State is approaching a milestone as it seeks its first 20-win season since finishing 20-9 in 2021. The program has reached at least 20 wins in a single season only once in the past 26 years but did so more frequently earlier in its history. The team is also aiming for its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 2021.

Grand Valley State enters Thursday's match after winning four consecutive contests, including an upset over nationally ranked Ferris State. Under head coach Jason Johnson, now in his fifth year with a record of 108-39, Grand Valley features three players with over 200 kills each: Meghan O'Sullivan (239), Brianna Stawski (212), and Kendall Stover (207). Caroline Baker leads with assists while O'Sullivan also contributes significantly both offensively and behind the service line.

Purdue Northwest arrives led by head coach Sean Douglas, who has compiled a record of 44-65 over four seasons. The Pride have won six out of nine true road games this year and previously secured their first-ever win in Detroit last October. Purdue Northwest relies on attackers Arra Cottrell (238 kills), Anika Huelskamp (236), and Allyson Cathey (208). Senior Marina Gronkiewicz serves as primary setter with significant contributions from several players at the service line.

With these final home matches approaching, Wayne State looks to build momentum heading into postseason play.