Sep 14, 2012
September 14, 2012 - The volleyball teams at Hillsdale College and Grand Valley State came into Friday night's GLIAC opener with opposite won-loss records. But that did not tell the tale of the latest matchups between these national powers.
After a brutal early-season schedule, the Chargers played with poise and toughness in defeating the Lakers 3-1 before more than 500 fans in their home opener at Jesse Philips Arena. Hillsdale is now 2-7 overall and 1-0 in the GLIAC, and will host 2011 co-regular season champion Ferris State at 2 p.m. Saturday. GVSU is now 7-2 on the season.
Hillsdale sports one of its youngest lineups in recent memory, and that showed Friday night with five freshmen receiving significant playing time. But they all contributed in a positive fashion for the win, none more effectively than middle hitter Emily Wolfert.
Although far from the team lead in total attacks, Wolfert (pictured) made the most of her chances, finishing with 11 kills on 14 attempts, for an amazing .714 hitting percentage. Wolfert did her damage from all spots across the net, and looked particularly comfortable hitting from the right side on the move. She also had one solo block and four block assists in a dominant blocking match for the Chargers.
Hillsdale outblocked Grand Valley State 14-5 as a team in the match, and freshman Kristin Malcolm was a big part of that. Despite playing in limited rotations, Malcolm delivered a career-high five block assists. Senior Lauren Grover led the team with six block assists, and junior Bekah Draves had four.
Freshman Marissa Owen was inserted into the match as the libero in the fourth set and displayed brilliant court coverage and excellent passing.
Sophomore Alexis Waugh also played well, with 19 assists and had two service aces. Junior Sydney Lenhart led the Chargers with 29 assists.
Junior Caitlin Kopmeyer delivered the match-winning kill, fitting for Hillsdale's primary offensive weapon. She led Hillsdale with 16 kills to go along with 10 digs, and had a .286 hitting percentage.
After a brutal early-season schedule, the Chargers played with poise and toughness in defeating the Lakers 3-1 before more than 500 fans in their home opener at Jesse Philips Arena. Hillsdale is now 2-7 overall and 1-0 in the GLIAC, and will host 2011 co-regular season champion Ferris State at 2 p.m. Saturday. GVSU is now 7-2 on the season.
Hillsdale sports one of its youngest lineups in recent memory, and that showed Friday night with five freshmen receiving significant playing time. But they all contributed in a positive fashion for the win, none more effectively than middle hitter Emily Wolfert.
Although far from the team lead in total attacks, Wolfert (pictured) made the most of her chances, finishing with 11 kills on 14 attempts, for an amazing .714 hitting percentage. Wolfert did her damage from all spots across the net, and looked particularly comfortable hitting from the right side on the move. She also had one solo block and four block assists in a dominant blocking match for the Chargers.
Hillsdale outblocked Grand Valley State 14-5 as a team in the match, and freshman Kristin Malcolm was a big part of that. Despite playing in limited rotations, Malcolm delivered a career-high five block assists. Senior Lauren Grover led the team with six block assists, and junior Bekah Draves had four.
Freshman Marissa Owen was inserted into the match as the libero in the fourth set and displayed brilliant court coverage and excellent passing.
Sophomore Alexis Waugh also played well, with 19 assists and had two service aces. Junior Sydney Lenhart led the Chargers with 29 assists.
Junior Caitlin Kopmeyer delivered the match-winning kill, fitting for Hillsdale's primary offensive weapon. She led Hillsdale with 16 kills to go along with 10 digs, and had a .286 hitting percentage.