The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team delivered a monumental comeback victory Friday night, prevailing over the University at Buffalo Bulls in a thrilling five-set contest (24-26, 18-25, 25-13, 25-20, 15-12) at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles, who entered the match seeking Head Coach Kevin Foeman's first win against Buffalo in his tenure, overcame an early 0-2 deficit in the sets to secure the win.
A dramatic turnaround
The Eagles struggled through the opening two sets, falling 24-26 and 18-25, respectively, as Buffalo took a commanding lead. However, Eastern Michigan's mentality and competitive drive kicked in during the crucial third set.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third frame, during which EMU dominated with a massive 25-13 win. Eastern Michigan's offense found its rhythm, boasting a .455 hitting percentage in the set (12 kills on 22 attacks with only two errors). This surge was fueled by exceptional defensive effort, including a service ace by Layna Waselewsky, and key blocking by Kendal Bonney, Hatteras Welker and Anna Guard.
With the crowd behind them, the Eagles maintained the intensity in the fourth set, winning 25-20 to force the decisive tiebreaker. During the fourth set, EMU saw a crucial serving run from Surabhi Srinivasan, who notched a service ace and helped the team go on a run that included kills by Kaylin Schroeder, Bri Struck, and Welker, pushing the score from 7-7 to 9-7.
EMU's fifth-set firepower
In the decisive fifth set, EMU continued its aggressive play, posting a .375 hitting percentage and outscoring Buffalo 15-12 to secure the match. The tiebreaker win moves Eastern Michigan's season record to 11-13 overall and 3-8 in the Mid-American Conference.
This five-set victory breaks a recent trend, as Buffalo had won five straight contests against Eastern Michigan leading into this series. EMU last won a match against the Bulls in 2020, also in five sets, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
Statistical leaders fuel the Eagles
The win was a comprehensive team effort, demonstrating the value of collective contribution that Coach Foeman emphasizes.
- Junior outside hitter Bri Struck led the EMU attack with 16 kills. Struck proved instrumental in the crucial sets, landing multiple kills in the second and fourth sets.
- Junior Ava Siefke contributed a stellar all-around performance, racking up 12 kills and leading the Eagles defensively with 18 digs. Siefke also contributed two service aces in the match. Siefke is a key offensive weapon for EMU, ranking among the conference leaders in points and kills per set coming into the contest.
- Sophomore middle blocker Hatteras Welker was highly efficient, registering 11 kills on a strong .286 hitting percentage, alongside six total blocks. Welker is known for her defensive prowess, being the only player nationally to post over 100 blocks and 27 aces this season, entering the match.
- The EMU defense dominated the net, totaling 14.0 team blocks compared to Buffalo's 10.0. Wrigley Takats was an absolute force, leading all players with 10 total blocks (one solo, nine assisted).
- Seniors Ella Voorhees (19 assists, nine digs) and Ashlynn Belcher (15 assists) shared the setting duties. Kaylin Schroeder also added 13 assists.
The Eagles will now prepare for their next match — completing the second half of a home-and-home series against Central Michigan University on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Viewers can stream all of the action live on ESPN+.
