After a challenging start, the Milwaukee volleyball team achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Wright State Raiders in a five-set match at the Klotsche Center. The win puts both teams at 7-1 in the Horizon League standings, with another crucial match scheduled for Saturday.
Natalie Schmitz played a pivotal role with 12 kills, including six in the decisive fifth set. The Panthers overcame a 10-5 deficit to clinch the final set 17-15, aided by strong performances from Lakyn Graves, Josie Johnson, and Milica Tomic. Tomic’s ace and subsequent block by Graves and Rachel Scott secured the win.
Head coach Susie Johnson praised her team’s resilience: “This was such a team effort all the way around,” she said. “To have the resilience that we showed against the first-place team… it just shows how we don’t panic and stayed composed as a group.”
Wright State initially led by taking the first two sets 25-20 and 25-22. However, Milwaukee responded with Madi Malone’s seven kills leading to a third set win of 25-22. They continued their momentum with strong defensive plays in the fourth set, winning it 25-17.
Milwaukee ended with an overall hitting percentage of .260 compared to Wright State’s .188. Malone topped her team with 18 kills while Schmitz also reached double figures. The Panthers’ defense limited Wright State’s effectiveness in later sets.
The victory marked Milwaukee’s third reverse sweep this season and extended their record to 11 consecutive five-set wins dating back to last year.
For Wright State, Sam Ott recorded 17 kills and Mya Ayro added 14. Lauren Yacobucci contributed four aces along with a double-double performance including assists and digs.
Both teams are poised for another face-off on Saturday at Klotsche Center which will determine who leads in Horizon League standings midway through conference play.
