The G-MAC's top seed at the Midwest Regional Crossover this weekend, the Hillsdale College volleyball team took care of business, posting the G-MAC's best record in the event with a 2-1 finish.

Senior Lauren Passaglia was a big reason for the Chargers' success, and has deservedly been recognized on both the All-Midwest Regional Crossover team, and, announced this afternoon, by the G-MAC as the North Division Player of the Week for crossover weekend as well. It's Passaglia's first time earning a weekly conference honor in her career.

Playing a unique role for Hillsdale this season as both a setter and right-side hitter, Passaglia posted her first career triple-double as a Charger on Friday with a career-high 16 kills, 21 assists and 10 digs in a narrow five-set loss to Rockhurst, who ended up finishing undefeated in the crossover. The next day, Passaglia fell one kill short of adding another triple double in a three-set sweep of Maryville, recording nine kills, 26 assists and 12 digs. For the weekend, Passaglia put up big numbers, with 2.9 kills per set, 2.5 digs per set and five assists per set while also contributing three service aces and four total blocks. 

As a 6-2 setter who also plays on the right side, Passaglia's numbers as both a hitter and setter are artificially depressed as she splits time between the two positions. But her versatility as both a high-level hitter and a top setter make her a unique weapon in Hillsdale's arsenal that make the 13-3 and G-MAC-leading Chargers tough for teams to handle. That versatility has been on full display this season, as Passaglia was also Hillsdale's home tournament MVP in September while leading the Chargers to an undefeated record. The senior ranks in the top 10 in hitting percentage, assists per set and service aces per set in conference play as well.

Passaglia and the Chargers have a critical match ahead this weekend as Hillsdale travels to Northwood on Saturday, looking to complete a season-sweep of the Timberwolves and take sole possession of first place in the G-MAC North.

Photo by Reva Ludwig