Spikeball is a backyard game consisting of two teams playing around a round net. Courtesy|Unsplash

In spite of the blistering heat, Hillsdale’s Roundnet Club hosted their inaugural Spikeball tournament last week. 

Students gathered on Simpson Fields on Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. to participate in the tournament. 16 teams competed, which included beginner and advanced divisions

Freshmen Anna Heldt and Moria Gleason won the beginner division, while sophomore Christian Mancuso and senior Tim Boyd won the tournament.

“I have been a part of the Roundnet Club for this semester,” Heldt said, “It’s a good way to unwind with friends, and this tournament is a great way to include people that aren’t a part of the club. It’s competitive, but I’m here to have fun.” 

Heldt said she and Gleason won their division by making the other team laugh. 

“They were too distracted to play well,” Heldt said, “There was a reason we were in the beginner’s bracket.”

Mancuso said he noticed a poster for the tournament and decided to attend his first Roundnet Club event with Boyd.

“As a former football player here at Hillsdale, I seize any opportunities to compete in athletic events,” Mancuso said.

Freshman Veronica Fogo said the athletic nature of the game also attracted her to the tournament.

“I played sports in high school, and Spikeball is a great way to get moving, be competitive, and spend time with friends,” Fogo said.

Students played single-elimination Spikeball, in which teams are eliminated after losing one game.

Roundnet Club President Joseph Duncan said he hopes the tournament will help to promote the Roundnet Club. 

“I hope the tournament will bring out some people who are looking for a fun and competitive atmosphere on campus,” Duncan said. “The Hillsdale Roundnet Club is looking to bring competitive Spikeball to Hillsdale but also a healthy space where students can forget about their papers and exams for a few hours.”

Duncan also works as an ambassador for the Spikeball brand. He hopes to promote the sport and compete in the spikeball collegiate series, an annual Spikeball tournament.

“Joseph is the man behind the event, and the tournament has been his brainchild. He has done an amazing job growing this club in its first semester, and I am excited to see where it will go under his leadership,” said Jacob Beckwith, the club’s vice president.

Duncan and Beckwith met while playing Spikeball last semester and quickly decided to form a club.The Student Federation approved the club last semester, according to Beckwith. 

“I think the club is a perfect example of what sets Hillsdale apart. A couple freshmen have an idea, decide to start a club, and create an outlet for the entire student body to get away from the studying and have some fun,” Beckwith said.