The Hillsdale volleyball team huddle up during their last game of the season. Courtesy | Ashley Van Hoose
The Hillsdale volleyball team finished the season 14–12 overall and 11–4 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, after losing in the semifinal round of the GMAC Tournament.
The Chargers played their last game Nov. 21 in Ohio against Cedarville University. They lost 3–0 to the Yellow Jackets, set one 25–22, set two 25–17, and set three 25–22.
The Chargers started the game by holding a 14–11 lead halfway through set one, and continued to push back in sets two and three.
Despite the Chargers’ loss, they showed grit throughout the game, according to freshman Grace Drake.
“I’m really proud of how we kept fighting throughout the whole match and didn’t give up,” Drake said. “We made some great hustle plays that showed our grit and how much we have improved over the season.”
According to assistant coach Megan Molenkamp the Chargers passed the highest serve receive rating of any matches this year in the Cedarville game.
“Kudos to our serve receivers who worked hard to improve all year,” Molenkamp said. “Passing against great serving teams doesn’t get easier, passers have to become more skilled at a faster rate — that speaks volumes.”
Senior Adi Sysum said the season was one to remember and a perfect way to end her career.
“Yes, the last game didn’t go the way we hoped — that’s tough, and it’s something we all felt,” Sysum said. “But even with that, I honestly couldn’t have imagined a better final year. This group made every practice, bus ride, workout, and game something I looked forward to.”
Senior Emory Braswell led the Chargers offensively with eight kills and eight digs, and senior Chloe Pierce led the Chargers defensively with 12 digs. Senior Josie TeSlaa led the Chargers with 17 assists, moving into the top 10 all-time for Hillsdale College.
According to head coach Chris Gravel, the loss against Cedarville was still something to be proud of.
“Although we fought hard, Cedarville’s block got the best of us that day,” Gravel said. “Josie TeSlaa served exceptionally well helping her earn all-tournament team honors.”
Sysum finished her career with five kills and has been recognized as a first-team all-conference honoree by the GMAC.
Sysum said that being a part of the team has brought her great joy and she attributes all her success to the support of her teammates.
“It’s a great honor, but I genuinely see it as something that belongs to the whole team, not just me,” Sysum said. “Anything I’ve been able to do this season has only been possible because of the people around me. Every single teammate poured in effort, energy, and heart from day one.”
Molenkamp said the Chargers are proud of Sysum’s accomplishments this season.
“Adi was a dominant force on our court this year,” Molenkamp said. “She worked hard to become a middle hitter who could hit any spot on the court this year, meaning other teams didn’t know where she was going to hit the ball, which is a huge asset. She jumps incredibly high and is very quick, making it nearly impossible for other teams to stop her.”
