Eastern Wayne Today

The Wayne State University women's volleyball team achieved a comeback victory against Saginaw Valley State on Saturday in University Center, Michigan. After losing the first two sets, Wayne State rallied to win the next three, securing a 3-2 match result. This win brings their overall record to 19-5 and their conference record to 11-3 in the GLIAC. The team remains undefeated in five-set matches this season, now standing at 5-0.

Head coach Tim Koth commented on the team's performance: "Life on the road in this conference is very challenging. A lot of credit should be given to SVSU for the effort and preparation they put in to this match. But the Warriors dug deep and found a way, led by Kayla (Giroux) and Kayla (Dulgar). To turn this match around and come back to the D with the win, I'm very proud of their effort."

Wayne State finished with a .285 hitting percentage, totaling 60 kills and 19 errors over 144 attacks. Saginaw Valley State recorded a .144 hitting percentage with 50 kills and 28 errors from 153 attempts. The Warriors' strongest set was the fifth, where they hit .471.

Kayla Giroux led Wayne State with a career-high 25 kills and only three errors on 42 attempts, resulting in a .524 hitting percentage. Leigha Baldwin contributed nine kills with one error from 20 attacks (.400). Kayla Dulgar managed the offense with 47 assists and added two service aces. Other notable performances included Kendyl Andrews with three aces and Abby Macalaguim also serving three aces.

Defensively, five players contributed block assists: Giroux (seven), Lauren Essenpreis (five), Baldwin (five), Katerina Stout (two), and Paige Giehtbrock (one). In digs, Andrews reached her nineteenth career match with at least twenty digs—her fifth such performance this season—while Macalaguim had eleven digs and Giehtbrock ten.

Wayne State will continue its regular season schedule Thursday night against Grand Valley State at Matthaei Volleyball Facility.