Undefeated weekend carries volleyball into GLIAC play

Home Charger Volleyball Undefeated weekend carries volleyball into GLIAC play
Undefeated weekend carries volleyball into GLIAC play
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Senior middle hitter Erin Holsinger was named to the All-Tournament Team for the second weekend in a row at the Findlay Invitational. (Photo: Anders Kiledal / Collegian)

After an undefeated weekend at the Findlay Invitational, the Hillsdale College volleyball team will carry a 6-1 record into conference play this weekend. The Chargers defeated Clarion University, Malone University, and Pitt.-Johnstown university, ending the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record.

After two weekends of non-conference play, the Chargers will transition into GLIAC competition this weekend as they host rivals Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University on Friday and Saturday.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re a week better,” head coach Chris Gravel said. “Now it’s time for conference play. We have Grand Valley and Ferris — they’re tough foes, but so are we. We’re good too. Right now it just depends on who shows up this weekend.”

Hillsdale showed its offensive depth this weekend, as four Chargers racked up double-digit kills in at least one match. Sophomore right side hitter Paige VanderWall led the offensive drive this weekend, tallying 10 kills per match.

In addition to the deep bench, VanderWall credited the Chargers’ success to sophomore Taylor Bennett, the setter behind most of Hillsdale’s kills.

“We run deep,” VanderWall said. “Anyone can come off the bench and do well, and I think that has been a strong point for us. Taylor has done a great job of setting up the offense, and distributing the ball to everyone so everyone has been able to shine.”

The Chargers started the tournament the same way they ended last weekend’s tournament: with a win over Clarion University. Though the Chargers swept the Golden Eagles last Saturday, Clarion came out vengeful, grabbing the first set with a 25-21 win. After that, the Chargers settled in and took control.

Hillsdale rebounded from a .097 hitting percentage in the first set to a solid .429 percentage in set two. Four Chargers recorded double-digit kills against the Golden Eagles, including junior outside hitter Jackie Langer who tallied 13.

From there, the Chargers powered to nine consecutive set wins. Though the Chargers’ 3-0 record at the Findlay Invitational looks clean, Gravel said his team battled to win a majority of the sets.

“Most of those sets weren’t easy — they were back and forth,” Gravel said. “But we’ve been strong in the end of sets, which is good to see.”

The Chargers started their perfect Saturday with an early morning sweep against Malone University, a previous GLIAC foe. Though the Pioneers fought for a two-point loss in the first set, the Chargers ran away with 25-12 and 25-17 wins to close the match.

VanderWall had an impressive charge against the Pioneers, recording 10 kills, five digs, two assists, two blocks, and a .350 hitting percentage. VanderWall, along with senior middle hitter Erin Holsinger, was named to the All-Tournament team.

“Paige had a solid weekend,” Gravel said. “She was on the All-Tournament team, which is good for her confidence. She’s swinging well.”

The Chargers wrapped up their weekend with a 3-0 sweep over Pitt.-Johnstown on Saturday afternoon. Hillsdale edged to 25-17 and 25-19 wins in sets one and two, and capped the match with a heated 27-25 win in set three to end the weekend.

Sophomore outside hitter Kara Vyletel, Langer, and VanderWall all contributed 10 kills for the Chargers, while seniors Kyra Rodi and Holsinger partnered for 15 kills in the middle. Bennett tossed up 37 assists and served three aces in the weekend’s final match.

The Chargers are looking ahead to their home-opening weekend. The Chargers will host the Grand Valley Lakers on Friday at 7 p.m. then the Ferris State Bulldogs on Saturday at 2 p.m. The GLIAC North Division Preseason Poll ranked the Bulldogs No. 1 and the Lakers No. 3. Hillsdale grabbed the No. 2 spot.

“We match up pretty well with these teams. It’s going to come down to the basics,” Gravel said. “As long as we stay aggressive offensively and defensively it’s going to come down to serve and pass.”

Though playing at home can sometimes cause jitters for a young team, VanderWall said the Chargers will utilize their home-court advantage.

“Every time you play at home, and especially the first time, it’s like, “This is our house.” It gets the nerves going,” VanderWall said. “But we are pumped to play at home, and on top of that, it’s GVSU and Ferris. Those are our two big rivals that we want to take down and the fact that they’re our openers is just awesome.”

Though the Chargers are coming off a spotless weekend, Langer said hard work, rather than the three wins, will carry the team into the weekend.

“We give 100 percent everyday,” Langer said. “It helped a lot that we went 3-0, but every day we go into the gym ready to give 100 percent.”

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