The Hillsdale volleyball team opened conference play last weekend, sweeping both competitors and extending its in-conference win streak to 73 matches.

The Chargers went on the road Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 in matches against the Lake Erie Storm and the Ursuline Arrows, securing wins in both matches and  rising to 9-2 this  season.

“It was a total team effort,” head coach Chris Gravel said. “Everybody played well at times, but everybody had their moments where it showed that we still have work to do.”

Gravel noted that the team will be working to improve consistency when in control of the lead.

“When things were close and there was pressure, we actually did really well,” Gravel said. “But we had some big leads and lost focus, which really brought down the personal numbers that we’d like to achieve and that is a problem that we need to rectify.”

Senior Madeline Zenas agreed with Gravel that, more than just winning its matches, the team looks to perform in a way that is representative of its potential in every play. 

“We’ve had a lot of success in the past,” Zenas said. “So I think it’s a huge thing for us to keep pushing forward and play to the best of our ability.”

Gravel believes the pre-season tournament experience helped to give the team an edge in high pressure situations throughout the weekend.

“Lake Erie came out looking really good offensively,” Gravel said. “But our first two tournaments were at that level, so it was very comfortable for us. When they made a mistake we were able to pounce on them and it was the same thing on Saturday.”

Overall, both matches were statistically successful for the Chargers, who outscored Lake Erie 25-10, 25-14, and 25-19. Sunday looked much the same with 25-13, 25-18, and 25-20 wins against Ursuline.

“We have such a great team with a lot of people who can play anywhere,” Zenas said. “Having that depth will be huge for us.”

The Chargers now look to prepare for their next two conference matches against Malone and Walsh on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17. These teams currently hold records of 5-6 and 4-3, respectively. 

“When we’ve gone to Malone over the last several years, they have played out of their minds and right now Walsh leads the conference in offense,” Gravel said. “We’re definitely going to make sure that we stay well conditioned.”

Senior Emily Susitko said that the team is feeling good moving into the remainder of the season.

“I feel like the team is really positive right now,” Susitko said. “A lot of people thought when we lost our seniors last year that there was no way anyone could fill those roles, but they didn’t understand how much depth we have on our team and how every single person is ready to go at every single moment of the game.”