The series between the Muskies and Stars has narrowed in the last few years, with Lakeland winning the last three meetings, including a four-set win last year Oct. 3, 2024 in River Forest, Ill. The Muskies also won the last time the teams played at the Woltzen Gymnasium, posting a sweep at home Sept. 28, 2023. Before Lakeland's current streak, Dominican had been on a roll in the series, winning 12 of 13 meetings including their last win, a three-set victory at home Oct. 2, 2021. In the series' early years, Lakeland won eight of the first nine meetings, including the first ever Oct. 19, 2002.

Lakeland last time out: Won at MSOE 3-1 Thursday
The Muskies started fast, overcame a rough second set and took control again in a 25-14, 15-25, 25-21, 25-8 victory over the Raiders. Lakeland won its third straight match and continued climbing in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference standings behind a combined 35 kills from Samya Hughes (20 kills) and Maleigha Kovalaske (15). Ryan Figi also tied her season high with 23 digs and Sydney Gay posted 43 assists as the Muskies won three straight matches for the first time this season.

Dominican last time out: Lost to Illinois Tech 3-0 Thursday
The Stars played at home but struggled in a 25-16, 25-13, 25-18 loss to the Scarlet Hawks. Illinois Tech hit .344 for the match and Dominican played from behind almost the entire match in losing their third straight match. Ellery Shea led the Stars with seven kills and two service aces, Fabiana Pizzo posted 14 digs and Karolina Stonkus finished with 17 assists.

Dominican has struggled to a 2-14 record this year with its lone wins over Beloit and in NACC play in four sets against Alverno. The Stars have played with a shorthanded roster of just 11 players after finishing 12-13 overall last year and 5-8 in conference. Olivia Kofie is in her third year as Dominican's head coach.

First for Samya: Lakeland's Samya Hughes received her first career NACC Offensive Player of the Week award earlier this week after two big matches last week against Marian and Rockford. Hughes as a freshman has already established herself as one of the very top hitters in the NACC, leading the conference by a large margin in both total kills (313) and kills per set (3.96). Hughes also ranks among the NCAA Division III leaders in both categories, sitting tied for 21st in kills before her 20 kills against MSOE and 37th in kills/set.