David Archambeau/For the Gazette Michigan Tech outside hitter Jacqueline Yancy digs out a ball during a game against Roosevelt on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the SDC Gym in Houghton.

HOUGHTON — With three matches at home this week, the Michigan Tech Huskies volleyball team is hitting a critical stretch of their season as they search for a home playoff spot. With Northern Michigan on Wednesday, Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday and Purdue Northwest on Saturday, the Huskies close out the home portion of their schedule.

The Huskies enter this final homestand 11-9 overall and 5-5 in GLIAC play after dropping a pair of matches last weekend to Wayne State, 3-0, and Grand Valley State, 3-1. The Huskies sit tied for fifth in the conference standings, even with Wisconsin-Parkside, so Friday’s matchup is even more critical for Michigan Tech.

Huskies coach Matt Jennings admitted that he felt his team did not accomplish what they hoped to last weekend.

“We didn’t do what we wanted to do,” he said. “I thought Friday was a step backward in a couple ways, but both (were) good teams. We definitely were better on Saturday.”

Jennings felt that the Huskies bounced back very well against the Lakers after the loss to the Warriors on Friday.

“We were right there,” he said. “We actually, I think, defensively, and serving-wise, did exactly what we needed to do to beat Grand Valley. There were large parts of that match where we were either in control or, you know, going point for point. I thought our service game really gave us a chance. There were a couple stretches where we played some pretty good defense. But, Grand Valley is an exceptional team that knows how to finish and they have a lot of experience on that side of the court too.

“We’re a team right now that’s learning how to use their abilities and talents consistently, and apply them consistently enough to become that consistent and able to finish.”

The Huskies still have learning to do, according to Jennings.

“Winning, I think, is a skill, and this group is still learning how to do that,” he said. “We’re clearly good enough to be very good teams. If you remember the beginning of the year, we actually cracked the Top 25. We just are a team, also, that is still learning the ropes on the road at Wayne and Grand Valley. This time of year is a difficult part of our schedule. To come out of the crossover, it’s a test of how we were going to handle it, and we didn’t handle it the way we wanted to.”

For the second time in three weeks, the Huskies are playing three matches this week. However, unlike during the crossover tournament, this week, they play three matches in five days, and all three could have an impact on the GLIAC Tournament picture.

“Senior Week, three home matches beginning with Northern on Wednesday,” said Jennings. “If we can’t be up for that, can’t be up for anything. I know that we will be.

“I know that the consequences of any win/loss going forward is, it has an impact. The team is aware of that. I think that we’re going to take it one match at a time, and know that every time we win, it’s what we want to do, and it’s going to help our standing. Every time we lose, it’s going to make it more challenging. We’re not in a bad position. We’re still fighting for a home quarterfinal match, and an opportunity to continue our postseason as long as we can.”

Given that the Huskies and Rangers are tied in the standings, Friday’s match could go a long way towards determining playoff seeding.

“It’s funny, this time of year, going forward, no team, no player, is feeling their best, but we’re expected to play better than our opponents,” Jennings said. “I think that every team is going through that same piece, same battle, and we’re just going to play as sharp as we can and really focus on doing all the little things well, especially if we’re kind of grinding a little bit.”

SCOUTING THE RANGERS

The Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers come into Friday’s match 9-12 overall and 5-5 in conference play. They went 0-3 in the Midwest Regional Crossover, losing to Hillsdale, Rockhurst and Northwood, but bounced back last weekend with wins over Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State.

They are led offensively by sophomore middle blocker Sam Fisch, who has 288 kills, which is over 100 more than senior outside hitter Elizabeth Truckenbrod (169). Junior outside hitter Ava Irvin is the other hitter with over 100 kills as she has 127.

Junior outside hitter Marisa Lootens leads the service game with 42 aces.

The Huskies dropped the match in Kenosha earlier this season 3-2.

SCOUTING THE PRIDE

The Purdue Northwest Pride come into this weekend 8-12 overall and 4-6 in conference play. At the Midwest Regional Crossover, they defeated Missouri S&T and Ohio Dominican, but lost to Illinois-Springfield. Last weekend, they returned to GLIAC play with a pair of wins over Saginaw Valley State and Lake Superior State.

The Pride are led by junior right side hitter Arra Cottrell, who has 277 kills. Junior setter Marina Gronkiewicz is dangerous when she has the ball in her hands, as she has 177 kills, which is second on the team, and 313 assists. They also play another setter in senior Olivia Brooke, who has 74 kills and 417 assists this season.

The Pride have three players with 20 or more service aces. Brooke leads the way with 22. Junior defensive specialist Livia Thomsen has 21 and sophomore outside hitter Anika Huelskamp has 20.

The Huskies won the previous matchup in Hammond, Indiana, 3-1.

Game Times

The Huskies and Rangers will matchup on Friday at 5 p.m. at the SDC Gym. Saturday, the Huskies and Pride are set for a 3 p.m. start.