Box Score

The Charger volleyball team got better as opening nigth wore on, rallying impressively from an 0-2 deficit to defeat Michigan Tech University 3-2 before a big Thursday night crowd at the Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena.

Hillsdale (1-0) takes on the University of Indianapolis in the Chargers' opening tournament at 7:00 Friday night.

The Huskies played at an impressively high level through the first two sets, edging Hillsdale by two points in each. Michigan Tech's defense and passing appeared to be in mid-season form, playing smooth against some big attacks from the Charger hitters.

Hillsdale coach Chris Gravel made a key adjustment going into set three, running a 6-2 offense which features setters Taylor Bennett and Lindsey Mertz both playing in different rotations. Hillsdale adjusted well to the change in offensive philosophy, and saw its hitting percentage go up in sets three and four. 

The Chargers captured sets three and four by scores of 25-20 and 25-21 and clearly had the momentum, in both energy and execution. That momentum didn't stop for set five, as the team took an 8-5 lead when the sides changed, adn finished the match on a 7-2 run to close out a win against a strong regional opponent.

Freshman middle hitter Allyssa Van Wienen was outstanding in her collegiate debut, finishing with 13 kills, a .440 hitting percentage and seven total blocks. She looked totally comfortable, and used her length and quicknes to be a decisive force at the net.

Another player that got stronger as the match wore on was junior outside hitter Kara Vyletel, who led all players with 22 kills to go along with 12 digs and two block assists. Vyletel's big hitting was key to the Chargers' improved offense in the latter half of the match.

Junior Paige VanderWall added 11 kills and four total blocks to the offensive attack. 

Mertz, also making her Hillsdale debut, had 34 assists and seven digs, while Bennett came off the bench to provide 23 assists and four digs. 

Sophomore libero Taylor Wiese also turned in a highlight season debut with 29 digs and did a great job of ball control from the back line. 

Hillsdale hit .224 as a team compared to .126 for the Huskies. The Chargers held an 18-14 block edge and were plus-14 on team kills in the win.