On Friday (Sept. 18) night at Northwood, Ashland University's volleyball team lost a set for the first time in two weeks.
 
In fact, the Eagles lost two sets.
 
But they were bound and determined not to lose a third, as a 2-0 hole turned into a 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-10) AU victory over the Timberwolves. Ashland improves to 9-1 overall and 4-0 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference thanks to a sixth consecutive win, while Northwood is 2-9, 0-4.
 
AU's 9-1 beginning to 2026 is the program's best through 10 matches in 19 years (also 9-1 in 2007).
 
By the end of a contest which featured 25 tie scores and 11 lead changes, the Eagles recorded 80 digs – their most in a single match since Oct. 3, 2025 at Lake Erie (98). Senior libero Abbey Queen came away with 28 digs, followed by senior setter Kylee Urban (13) and sophomore defensive specialist Sydney Weickert (10).
 
Three Ashland attackers ended with double-digit kills – sophomore outside hitter Jenna Shedden (16), sophomore right-side hitter Kelsey Lykins (11) and freshman outside hitter Haley Balo (11).
 
Urban dished out 31 assists in the victory, and Shedden added six total blocks (five assists) and six digs.
 
The Eagles will stay in Michigan for two matches on Saturday (Sept. 19) – noon at Hillsdale, then 3 p.m. at Hillsdale vs. No. RV Gannon.