The volleyball team won its first two conference games of the season last weekend, including a victory over the Ohio Dominican University Panthers. This was a rematch of last season’s conference championship, when the Chargers won the title 3-2. 

The Chargers defeated Ohio Dominican 3-0 this year in their G-MAC opening game on Sept. 20. The next day they traveled to Cedarville University and beat the Yellow Jackets 3-2.

“We were very determined,” head coach Chris Gravel said. “We passed better than we did last time during the championship. That’s been one of our inconsistencies, so that really helped.”

Senior Amanda Hilliker said the team played against the Panthers enthusiastically and enjoyed enduring the challenge together.

“One of the biggest differences between last year and this year is that our talent is spread so far on the bench,” Hilliker said. “When coach has to put anyone in, even if they’re a freshman, they play very well.”

Sophomore Greta Wise said the game against the Yellow Jackets had a rough start for the Chargers, but they were able to rally after the first two sets. 

“We did a great job coming back mentally from a little rut we were in for the first two sets of Cedarville,” Wise said. “As a team, we showed a lot of fortitude.”

Gravel said what stood out most to him in the Cedarville game was his team’s grit.

“They just refused to lose,” Gravel said. “We weren’t necessarily doing very much well, but we found a way in the big moments to come through.”

On Sept. 28, the Chargers play the Northwood University Timberwolves at 1 p.m. at home for Jersey Night.

“We’re approaching this weekend like we would any other weekend,” Wise said. “We’re always going to work our hardest, and we’re always going to play to the best of our ability.”