Eastern Michigan battles through four extra-point sets in Thursday's 3-1 loss before RedHawks secure Friday sweep
The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team endured a frustrating weekend of Mid-American Conference action at the George Gervin GameAbove Center, dropping back-to-back home matches to Miami University on Thursday, Oct. 15, and Friday, Oct. 16. Despite falling 3-1 in a high-intensity four-setter and 3-0 in the series finale, the Eagles delivered remarkable defensive milestones, highlighted by a historic 18-block performance and multiple career-high individual achievements.
Thursday thriller: Record-setting block party keeps Eagles flying in four-set drama
In Thursday night’s opening clash, Eastern Michigan (8-12, 2-6 MAC) pushed Miami to the limit in a grueling four-set battle before ultimately falling 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 27-29, 24-26).
The Eagles opened the night with explosive energy, dominating the first set 25-17. EMU posted a .289 hitting percentage while logging six early blocks to set a relentless defensive tone. Freshman outside hitter Nattie Slusher and sophomore middle blocker Taeley Mahler spearheaded the attack, giving Eastern Michigan its most commanding set victory of the entire weekend.
Miami responded in set two, edging out a tight 25-23 win to level the match. Sets three and four turned into extra-point physical marathons. In set three, both squads traded points deep past the standard 25-point mark before Miami pulled away 29-27. The fourth set proved equally competitive, as EMU fought back to reach 24-24 before the RedHawks captured the final two points to seal the victory.
Despite the setback, EMU’s net defense was historic. The Eagles posted a 2026 season-high 18.0 total blocks, tied for the third-highest single-match total in EMU's box-score era (since 2012). Middle blocker Maddie Herman led all players with a career-high 11 block assists, while Mahler notched a double-double with 13 kills and a career-high 10 blocks. Middle blocker Olivia Stewart added seven blocks, including EMU's only two solo blocks of the night.
On offense, Slusher recorded a career-high 15 kills and 18.5 points. In the back row, libero Surabhi Srinivasan anchored a 102-dig team effort with a career-high 31 digs, while setters Kaylin Richter (21 assists, 28 digs) and Lina Govoni (18 assists, 13 digs) both posted double-doubles. Outside hitter AshleeKay Christensen also logged a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs.
Friday rematch: RedHawks control momentum in straight-sets finale
Returning to the floor Friday evening, Eastern Michigan looked to split the weekend series but ran into a steady RedHawk offense, falling in straight sets 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-16).
Miami established early rhythm in set one, jumping out to a 12-6 lead and holding EMU to a .100 hitting percentage en route to a 25-16 win.
Eastern Michigan mounted its strongest push in set two. Behind a five-point service run by Govoni, which included two aces, the Eagles stormed out to a 5-0 lead. EMU maintained pressure late into the set, holding a 23-22 advantage after four set-two kills from Slusher, but Miami answered with three consecutive points to claim the set 25-23.
The RedHawks maintained control throughout set three, building an early lead and closing out a 25-16 set win to complete the weekend sweep.
Govoni paced Eastern Michigan with a double-double, recording 15 assists and a career-high 17 digs. Srinivasan added 14 digs, bringing her MAC-leading seasonal dig total to 342. Slusher led the offense with six kills, while Stewart posted four block assists.
Looking ahead: Conference standings and upcoming road trip
The two losses extended EMU’s setback streak to four matches and brought the all-time series record against Miami to 22-46. Eastern Michigan will look to reset on the road as they travel to face Kent State University on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Kent, Ohio.
