There’s a pattern developing between the Hillsdale College volleyball team and the Findlay Oilers, and it’s the Chargers’ turn to win.
Findlay swept Hillsdale out of the GLIAC Conference Tournament on Nov. 21 with a three-set win in the semifinals. This loss came after the Chargers split their regular-season series with the Oilers. Findlay found a 3-2 victory on their home court in September, but Hillsdale enjoyed their first dose of revenge in a 3-1 win in the Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena on Nov. 3.
Findlay has already tallied two victories in this rivalry, and the Chargers are hoping to even the score tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Big Rapids, Michigan in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior middle hitter Emily Wolfert said that Saturday’s loss could help fuel her team going into tonight’s match.
“I know I personally am playing for revenge,” Wolfert said. “The last game we played them we did not play like ourselves or put up the fight we know we are capable of. I think our mindset this time around is to just play for each other and use the confidence we’ve used all season to put up a real fight and just go after them.”
Head coach Chris Gravel echoed Wolfert, and said he’s “counting on” his team channeling their appetite for vengeance.
“It’s our turn to win,” Gravel said. “We know we have to play well. Whichever team handles their nerves better, gets into the zone, and plays the game they’ve been taught will be the team to come out on top.”
In the GLIAC semifinals, Findlay found their zone. The Oilers hit .339 on the match as a team, far surpassing the Chargers’ .077. Findlay shut out Hillsdale in three sets: 25-14, 25-18, and 25-16.
Findlay went on to lose in three sets to No. 1 Ferris State in the finals on Sunday. Gravel said Findlay struggled to keep the same high level of play that it had employed against the Chargers on Saturday.
“Findlay had an emotional letdown after beating us so badly,” Gravel said. “They did the same thing against Ferris in the finals that we did against them in the semifinals. It was kind of like after our big Saginaw win, we may have possibly had an emotional letdown.”
The Chargers have been working hard in practice in order to be prepared for the upcoming fight.
“We’ve been doing drills that focus on basic techniques to make sure our fundamentals are still staying consistent, and were also simulating pressure situations where we have to overcome hurdles and perform in the heat of the moment,” Wolfert said. “I think that will be critical on Thursday, keeping our heads and staying cool the whole game. We’ve been able to do that a lot this season, and when we’ve played with that confidence and energy we’ve had great success.”
On Saturday, Wolfert and junior middle hitter Erin Holsinger were named First-Team All-GLIAC for the first time in their respective careers. Holsinger was also named GLIAC Blocker of the Year. Holsinger led the conference with 140 blocks this season.
“It’s humbling, but overall one individual can’t play this sport and I definitely didn’t get where I am on my own,” Holsinger said. “Volleyball is so complex, I couldn’t have gotten my blocks if my teammates weren’t there to set it or encourage me. They deserve the award not me.”
Wolfert expressed how proud she is of Holsinger’s success, and the joy it’s been to partner with her on game day.
“She worked so hard, and I couldn’t be happier for her,” Wolfert said. “She’s even struggled with injuries toward the end of the year but you’d never know it when she steps on the court on game day. Being somewhat new to the middle position this year has been a learning experience for me and she’s helped me along the way which has been a huge help. We love pushing each other and challenging each other everyday at practice too and then love when we continue to push each other in games and succeed together.”
Senior setter Marissa Owen was named honorable mention All-GLIAC for the second year in a row.
The Chargers traveled to Big Rapids yesterday to practice and prepare for tonight’s match. The regional matches will be held at Ferris State University, but not in the Bulldogs’ usual home gym, which didn’t meet regulation size.
“It’s not taking place in their small gym but in their big gym,” Gravel said. “We’ve played in tournaments there and had a lot of success in their big gym. So we’re happy that it’s there.”
If Hillsdale defeats Findlay on Thursday, the Chargers will match-up against the winner of the Ferris vs. Trevecca Nazarene game on Friday. After losing to Ferris in three sets during season play, Hillsdale would assume the underdog position against the Bulldogs.
Despite his team’s loss in the conference tournament, Gravel said he still feels optimistic and excited.
“This team has worked hard enough and they definitely deserve another chance. They could do some damage at the next level.”
Holsinger agreed.
“We have put in a lot of work since we got here in August, and I think that’s the main driving factor,” she said. “We’re not ready to be done working hard.”
