The Hillsdale College volleyball team ran its winning streak to double digits with a convincing sweep of Thomas More on Homecoming Saturday, taking down the newest member of the G-MAC in their first-ever meeting, 25-19, 25-23, 25-15.
Playing a variety of lineups throughout the match, the Chargers controlled play, finishing with 41 kills and .168 hitting percentage to Thomas More's 25 kills and .071 hitting percentage. Hillsdale took early leads in both the first and third set, jumping out to an 11-6 advantage to cruise in set one, and a 13-8 edge that allowed the Chargers to pull away in set three.
Hillsdale faced some adversity in the second set, as a strong start by Thomas More saw the Saints take a 7-1 edge early. But the Chargers reeled off a 7-0 run to take an 11-9 lead, and never trailed again in the set. Thomas More rallied to tie the set at 22, but Hillsdale got kills from Greta Wise and Lauren Passaglia late to put the set away.
Maizie Brown had a strong night to lead the Chargers offensively despite playing in just two of the three sets, putting up a match-high 7 kills and two total blocks. Emory Braswell and Marilyn Popplewell each chipped in six kills as well for Hillsdale, with Braswell chipping in eight digs as well. Eleven different players recorded at least one kill for the Chargers as Hillsdale was able to get its entire roster playing time in the victory.
Junior libero Alli Wiese led Hillsdale defensively with 23 digs, and Amanda Hilliker chipped in six digs and two service aces as well. All three of Hillsdale's setters saw playing time in the match, with Josie TeSlaa finishing with 18 digs to lead the Chargers, and Lauren Passaglia chipping in 16 assists along with four kills and five digs.
At 11-2 overall and 5-0 in the G-MAC, Hillsdale is one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in conference play at this early juncture, along with undefeated North Division rival Walsh. After five straight matches at home, Hillsdale now leaves Hillsdale for a long three week road trip, beginning with a three-match weekend. The Chargers start with a match at Lake Erie on Friday, Sept. 29, before playing Ursuline the next day and finishing off the weekend on Sunday, Oct. 1 with a much-anticipated showdown with the also-unbeaten Cavaliers in North Canton, Ohio.
Photo by Anthony Lupi