The Northern State volleyball team battled one of the top teams in the country Friday night, eventually dropping a four-set decision to Wayne State.

The second-rated Wildcats ended up winning the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference match 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 25-15 at Wachs Arena.

The Wolves trailed by five points in the opening set, rallied to tie the score, before Wayne was able to finish with a two-point win.

Northern coach Brent Aldridge said the Wolves’ effort throughout the match was something to be proud of, despite coming up short.

“I thought we fought really well,” Aldridge said. “Unfortunately, errors got in the way. Even in the first set we lost 25-23, and had five service errors.”

Wayne carried momentum into the second set and opened a two-set advantage over the Wolves.

Northern responded in the third set, putting together one of its strongest stretches of the night to extend the match.

Outside hitter Linnea Nesheim said the Wolves were at their best when they were able to establish a strong first touch and keep the offense in system.

“I think when we passed well, we were in system, then we had a lot of options,” Nesheim said. “We can run our middles and right sides to be able to pull their blocks.”

Nesheim also emphasized the importance of the Wolves slowing down Wayne’s powerful attack at the net.

“It was important to get a block up,” Nesheim said. “When we can touch a ball and slow it down, that’s super important. We don’t want to let them hit cleanly because they have powerful hitters.”

Wayne responded with a strong start in the fourth set and eventually closed out the match.

Aldridge said the fourth set was a difficult stretch for the Wolves.

“We had the wheels fall off in the fourth and then kids start trying to do too much swinging,” Aldridge said. “But effort was great. They were a good team, the best ball control team we have faced all year.”

Despite the loss, Northern showed it could compete with one of the nation’s best teams.

The Wolves’ ability to take the third set and create momentum throughout portions of the match gave them confidence heading into today’s contest against Augustana at 1 this afternoon at Wachs Arena.

Outside hitter Katelyn Schroeder said her team’s first contact was a major factor against Wayne.

“I thought when we were in system and we got a good first touch, we were able to put the ball down,” Schroeder said. “We slowed their outsides down, but couldn’t really turn it for a point at some points.”

Schroeder said the Wolves also made slowing down Wayne State’s outside hitters a major priority after struggling against them a year ago.

“Our entire goal was to get a block up against their hitters,” Schroeder said. “Last year they killed us on the outside, so touching their outsides was huge for us. Anything we can do to slow down a hard-hit ball and turn it in for a point is big for us.”

Momentum played a major role throughout the match, particularly during the third and fourth sets. Nesheim said the Wolves’ ability to respond to those shifts helped them to stay competitive.

“Momentum shifts were huge, especially in the last three sets,” Nesheim said. “I think tonight just proves we can play really well against really good teams, so I am excited for (Saturday).”

Schroeder echoed that sentiment, saying the Wolves need to capitalize when they earn momentum during long rallies.

“Momentum shifts are huge,” Schroeder said. “When we go on those long rallies, we just have to put the ball down and take back the energy.”

The Wolves had strong support from their home crowd throughout the match. Aldridge said the presence of students and athletes from other NSU teams made an impact.

“We had a really nice crowd,” Aldridge said. “Glad football, baseball and some teams were here. I think it means a lot to our team.”

Schroeder said the crowd provided additional motivation for the Wolves.

“We had a lot of people show up to the game tonight, which is great,” Schroeder said. “Just putting on a show for them is everything.”

The Wolves now have to prepare for their next match quickly, hosting Augustana this afternoon.

“Unfortunately, we don’t get a week to figure things out,” Aldridge said. “We have to play at 1 p.m. (today), so less than 24 hours.”

Despite the loss to Wayne, Aldridge said he was proud of the way the Wolves competed against one of the best teams in the country.

Schroeder finished the match with 18 kills, while Nesheim contributed 17.

“Proud of our team,” Aldridge said. “The whole year our outsides have been playing like that, which is awesome.”

To see a box score of Friday night’s match, click on the following link:

https://nsuwolves.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2026/wayne-state/boxscore/14673