News Summary
In a thrilling volleyball match, Grand Valley State Lakers defeated Ferris State Bulldogs 3-2, extending their winning streak to 11 matches. The match was marked by intense competition, with both teams showcasing their skills across five sets. Key players included Gabby Piazza with 18 kills and Lilly Peterson with 7 blocks. As both teams continue their battle for conference dominance, upcoming matches promise more excitement in the GLIAC.
Big Rapids, Michigan – In a thrilling volleyball match on September 26, 2025, the No. 19-ranked Grand Valley State Lakers triumphed over the No. 12-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs, winning 3-2 and extending their winning streak to 11 matches. The match took place at Bulldog Arena, where the atmosphere was electric with both teams vying for crucial conference points.
Grand Valley entered the match with an 8-2 overall record and a 3-0 record in the GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), while Ferris State boasted a 7-4 overall record and 2-1 in the GLIAC. The contest showcased the competitive spirit of both programs, with each set highlighting significant shifts in momentum.
The first set began with a highly competitive exchange. Ferris State established an early lead, going ahead 16-12 before the Lakers called for a timeout. The Bulldogs maintained pressure with a 5-3 run, reaching a 21-19 scoreline. However, Grand Valley rallied back to secure the first set with a final score of 25-23.
As the second set unfolded, the Bulldogs once again took the lead, holding a five-point margin for most of the play. Ferris even called a timeout while leading 18-16, but the Lakers shifted the momentum in their favor and claimed the set 25-20, giving them a 2-0 lead in the match.
In a resurgence, the Bulldogs entered the third set with determination, initially taking a 19-15 lead just before the Lakers took a timeout. The set was marked by intense exchanges, and Ferris managed to edge out a win at 25-22, cutting Grand Valley’s overall match lead to 2-1.
The momentum appeared to shift once more as the fourth set began, with Ferris State leading 12-8 before the Lakers called for a timeout. The Bulldogs intensified their efforts, extending their lead to 22-18 before they ultimately secured the fourth set with a score of 25-23, leveling the match at two sets each.
The decisive fifth set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading points closely. The Lakers managed to lead 8-5 at the changeover, but the Bulldogs tied the set at 9 after a resilient effort. However, following a short timeout, the Grand Valley Lakers regrouped and pulled through, winning the fifth set 17-15 and clinching the match.
Sophomore Gabby Piazza was a standout performer for the Lakers, finishing the match with an impressive 18 kills. Junior Lilly Peterson contributed defensively with 7 blocks, while sophomore Hayley Wegener delivered an outstanding performance with 49 assists.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face Wayne State at 3 pm on September 27, 2025, at Bulldog Arena. Meanwhile, Grand Valley will go up against Harding at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Both teams are aiming to secure vital wins as the regular season continues. In their previous match, Grand Valley had secured a 3-1 victory over Mathews, in which Rylee Rogers set a personal best with 19 kills, backed by teammates Raegan Williams and Cloe Turk, each recording 18 assists.
This intense matchup not only revealed the competitive nature of the GLIAC but also set the stage for upcoming clashes as the teams vie for dominance in the conference standings.
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Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Grand Valley Volleyball Recap
- Wikipedia: Grand Valley State University
- WU Cardinals: Volleyball Invitional Recap
- Google Search: Grand Valley State Lakers volleyball
- Hillsdale Chargers: Volleyball Match Summary
- Google Scholar: Grand Valley volleyball
- Mines Athletics: Volleyball Upset Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Herald Times: Rangely Volleyball Performance
- Google News: Volleyball Grand Valley State
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
