Fles, TeSlaa, Baker celebrate during Tiffin game
Courtesy | Hillsdale Athletic Department

Despite recording one of their best sets of the season against University of Missouri-St. Louis, the Hillsdale volleyball team, ranked 4-3 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, let three games slide over the weekend.

Missouri-St. Louis, Wayne State University, and Grand Valley State University played Hillsdale Oct. 17-19, defeating the Chargers in their respective games. 

Hillsdale’s game against the current Great Lakes Valley Conference leader, Missouri-St. Louis was a Hillsdale win in the first set, 25-22. According to junior Chloe Pierce, it was one of the best sets they’ve won all season.

“We had some of our best plays yet this season in our first set against Missouri-St. Louis where we served tough, stayed disciplined in blocking and defense, and remained fearless offensively,” Pierce said. 

Missouri-St. Louis led the second set and stuck with it through the third set, winning 25-16 and 25-21. Hillsdale took the lead in the fourth set, holding a 21-20 lead before Missouri-St. Louis took the last five of six points in the game, changing the score to a 25-22 Missouri-St. Louis victory.

Wayne State hit Hillsdale hard from the start, winning a 25-11 first-set victory. Hillsdale won the second set 25-19 due to six blocks, three from senior Adi Sysum, and three from sophomore Jenna Southland. Wayne State took set three 25-18 and closed the match with a 25-22 final set victory.

Hillsdale had a hard time holding back the Grand Valley Lakers on Saturday in the first two sets because of the Lakers’ 32 total kills in the first set (25-19) and the second set (25-16).

Close to a sweep, Hillsdale stepped up its game in the third set to extend the match with a 25-22 victory. The Chargers scored the first three points with two kills and a block, and led the game with Grand Valley  never going up for more than one point. 

The fourth set began with Hillsdale trailing six points, but two aces from Southland and three kills from Sysum tied the match. Ultimately set four ended with a 25-23 victory for the Lakers. 

Freshman Grace Drake played strong offense and defense against the Lakers with 17 assists, six kills, and nine digs. According to Drake, the Chargers were met with good competition this week.

“This weekend we saw some really good competition and we made lots of good plays,” Drake said. “We’re excited to get back to practice this week to get ready for Friday.” 

Hillsdale plays Northwood University at home Oct. 24. 

“Both teams will know each other well,” Gravel said. “Last time the game went to five sets, and came down to the last two points, so it should be a good battle. I’m hoping that we’ve improved more than them since the last time we played. I think we have, but proof is in the play, so we’ll see on Friday.”