The Chargers defeated the Cedarville Yellowjackets earlier this season. Courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletic Department
The Hillsdale volleyball team defeated the Malone University Pioneers and the Walsh University Cavaliers last weekend, taking each match in a three-set sweep.
“This was the first time we were able to string together six consecutive, well-played sets,” assistant coach Allyssa Van Wienen said.
Hillsdale started the weekend strong in Friday’s home match against Malone. Hillsdale took the first set 25-16 and only improved moving forward against visiting Malone. The second set was a 25-15 Hillsdale win. The third set left Malone empty-handed as Hillsdale secured the match, finishing the day on a 25-12 win.
Senior middle hitter Maizie Brown and junior outside hitter Marylin Popplewell shared the wealth on offense, posting seven kills each in the three-set shutout. Brown also led the defense with six blocks. Senior libero Alli Wiese added nine digs to the defensive effort.
“We were able to play our entire lineup and every player did their part in contributing to the win,” Van Wienen said.
The stage now set for Senior Day, the Chargers avenged a previous loss with another trifecta. Hillsdale rolled the G-MAC titan Walsh in three sets with wins of 25-18, 25-14, and a hard-fought 25-20 third-set victory that sent Hillsdale seniors on their way with a flourish.
Brown and Popplewell had 11 kills each. Once again, Wiese led the team with 12 digs.
“On Saturday, the players were extremely mission-focused and worked hard to play out their role to perfection,” Van Wienen said.
Van Wienen said she was also impressed with the offensive tenacity the Chargers showed.
“We leveled up every aspect of our game and were able to hold off Walsh and avenge our earlier loss to them,” Van Wienen said.
Hillsdale has three more regular season games before the G-MAC tournament begins Nov. 14. The Chargers will play these away games against Malone Nov. 9, the Tiffin University Dragons Nov. 10, and the University of Findlay Oilers Nov. 11.
“We are excited to have another opportunity to compete three days in a row, finishing off with a match against Findlay, looking to redeem our loss to them as well,” Van Wienen said.
