Coming off a tough-to-take three-set loss at Grand Valley State Friday night, the Hillsdale College volleyball team deployed a different lineup, saw some improvement, but ultimately were tagged with its second straight loss Saturday afternoon.
Hillsdale College fell to 3-7 overall and 0-2 in the GLIAC after a 3-0 loss to Ferris State University in Big Rapids. The Bulldogs were ranked one spot outside of the AVCA Division II Top 25 poll this week.
The Chargers moved some pieces in their lineup around, such as moving freshman Kyra Rodi into the setter position in its 6-2 lineup, while giving sophomore Jordan Denmark and freshman Briana Herr starts in the front row. Senior Caitlin Kopmeyer got her second start of the season at libero, and the newly configured lineup appeared to pay early dividends.
Hillsdale and Ferris State locked horns in a marathon opening set, ultimately won by the Bulldogs 30-28. The Chargers fought off four set points in forcing the set into "extra time" but could not come up with the victory.
Ferris State won the other two sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-23. The Chargers have now lost eight sets by two points in the season's first 10 matches.
Rodi had two kills and 16 assists in her most extensive action of the season Saturday afternoon. Denmark tied a career-high with eight kills in the match and added nine digs in an intense performance. Kopmeyer led the Chargers with 15 digs.
Sophomore Emily Wolfert led the team's offense with 14 kills.
Herr played well, with six kills, a .333 hitting percentage and one solo block with one block assist. Junior Alexis Waugh had a team-high 20 assisst with two service aces for the Chargers.