Michigan Tech middle blocker Tricia Kennedy attempts to make a block during a match against Ferris State Saturday at the SDC Gym in Houghton. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — With a split last weekend against Davenport and No. 18 Ferris State, the Michigan Tech Huskies volleyball team guaranteed themselves a spot in the GLIAC Tournament. With a 7-7 record in conference play, the Huskies are tied with Davenport and Purdue Northwest for the final for sixth with two matches left.

Huskies first-year coach Cindy Pindral loved a lot of what she saw from her team against Davenport.

“I’m really happy that we were able to knock off Davenport,” said Pindral. “That was a match that we were out for revenge, so to speak. We had a kind of an iffy showing against them the first time at their place, so we were really seeking revenge on that one. Obviously, very happy with the win.

“We played solid for five sets, and it was just an absolute battle. So, I’m really proud of our team for pulling that one out. We were particularly strong in the fifth, and we pretty much found another gear defensively, kept the balloon off the ground for long enough to get that win. So, that was nice.”

As good as the team played against Davenport, Pindral was not as pleased with the effort Saturday against the Bulldogs.

“(Against) Ferris, we came out okay,” she said. “We seemed a little clammed up at times, and that happens. Not just particular to this year. This happens a lot against really top, top teams in our conference. We even felt it in the glory days, when we were in the NCAA Tournament all the time. It’s just hard to play teams like Ferris. They show up to your gym with a lot of poise and a lot of energy.

“They’re loud, they’re very team togetherness. It’s an intimidating environment to play in when you’re playing a top team like that. We showed signs of being resilient. We had some really nice plays that we made, some nice individual performances, but, ultimately, we weren’t able to string it together long enough. But, I’m not upset about that one. I thought we played just fine.”

To beat a team of the quality of Ferris State, a lot of factors have to work in your favor, according to Pindral.

“The challenge for us is kind of, like I alluded to, is finding that next gear and putting ourselves in a position where we could potentially knock off a team,” she said, “instead of kind of taking our foot off the gas a little bit at times.”

Kingsford native, freshman setter Madelynn Kreider had 69 assists in the match against Davenport on Friday, which was the third-highest total in Division II play.

“Oh, gosh, I’d have to go back in the record books,” said Pindral. “I don’t know. I’m super proud of Maddie Kreider. I’ve said it in previous interviews, but she shows up every day, ready to work really hard. She’s got a lot of leadership qualities, and she’s only a first-year, so it’s really promising that we’ve got a person like her on the roster.

“She takes feedback so well. After every match, we’re marking up the film, or having film sessions, and she’s very receptive to how we can improve, and how she can improve and get her teammates in good position. So, the assist number is a reflection of her hard work that she does every day.”

The Huskies, who are 10-15 overall, are hosting Saginaw Valley State and Lake Superior State with positioning on the line. Pindral knows her team needs to dial in for both matches.

“We have to take care of business,” she said. “The two teams that we play are not going to be in the tournament. So, we have to do our due diligence and make sure that we come out on top on both of those for various reasons. Obviously, it’s our last two matches of the season. It’s our senior weekend, so there’s a lot of hubbub around all that. So, that’s fun.

“There’s just like intrinsic motivation that comes with senior weekend. So, we’ll be celebrating those players, and having some festivities around that. In terms of GLIAC, there’s a three-way tie for first, and a three-way tie for sixth. Anything can happen at this point. The eight are locked in, but we have no idea where the finish is going to be.”

Scouting the Cardinals

The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals come into this weekend 8-18 overall and 2-12 in GLIAC play after dropping a 3-0 decision to Grand Valley State and a 3-2 loss to Wayne State last weekend.

Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Rachel Townsend leads the Cardinals with 311 kills for an average of 3.34 per set.

Sophomore outside hitter Chloe Vanwinkle is the only other attacker with over 200 kills at 209. She leads the service game with 29 aces.

Scouting the Lakers

The Lake Superior State Lakers are 1-20 this season and 1-13 in GLIAC play. They are coming off a pair of 3-0 losses to Wayne State and Grand Valley State.

The Lakers are led offensively by junior middle hitter Morgan Deming, who has 128 kills. Freshman right side hitter Elisa Rizzoli has 123 kills.

Lake Superior has a player with local ties in Giselle Wiitanen, whose mother, Heather Kullman, is from Houghton. Wiitanen has seen action in 12 matches this season, and has seven kills and seven assists.

Match times

The Huskies and Cardinals will face off Friday at 5 p.m. at the SDC Gym. Saturday, the Huskies and Lakers are set to start at 2 p.m.