Box Score

Senior Day is always a special one on the athletic calendar, and the Hillsdale College volleyball program did justice to its threee graduating seniors Saturday night.

Kat Vael, Meagan McPhetridge and Lindsay Kostrzewa were all recognized in a pre-match ceremony, then each proceeded to help Hillsdale to a 3-1 win over Walsh University at Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena. The win was a key one for the Chargers, who vaulted into a tie with Malone University in the GLIAC standings (9-7). The Chargers actually hold the tiebreaker over Malone, thanks to their win over the Pioneers Friday night.

Hillsdale won the sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-17 before falling to the Cavaliers in set three 25-20. The Chargers closed it out with a 25-16 win in set four.

All three of Hillsdale's seniors are front-row specialists and their impact was felt. Hillsdale generated a season-high 17 total team blocks in the victory, led by 6 from sophomore Erin Holsinger. Kostrzewa and junior Marissa Owen each had 4.

The Chargers featured remarkable statistical balance in this match. Six different players had 7 or more digs, led by Emiyl Wolfert's 12. Seven different players had 4 or more kills, with Jordan Denmark's 9 pacing the team.

No player was more effective than junior Haylee Booms, who had 8 kills and a .727 hitting percentage in just two sets played. Hillsdale committed just one hitting error in each of the first two sets.

Walsh played impressive defense, particularly in the third set, and didn't allow the Chargers to build much momentum to start the fourth set. But a service ace by junior Jenalle Beaman seemed to energize the home team, and Hillsdale polished off the match with an 8-1 run.

Hillsdale wraps up the regular season with matches at Ashland Friday and Lake Erie Saturday.

Photo by Bekah Kastning