The Hillsdale College volleyball team used a lethal offensive attack to overcome a slow start and dispatch visiting Lake Erie in four sets to complete an undefeated weekend on Saturday.

In a match defined by play at the net, with 104 total kills and 30 total blocks on the day, the Chargers pounded out 61 kills, nearly 20 more than the visiting Storm, to hold a decisive edge that proved to be enough to get the Chargers across the finish line.

The Chargers fell behind early in the first set and never led after an early 2-1 advantage in a 25-19 loss. Needing to rally, Hillsdale set the tone to start set two, with a service ace by Ella Byrum and back-to-back double blocks by seniors Molly Kennedy and Marcelina Gorny. Later in the set, three kills by freshman Taylor Brownsword helped spark a 7-1 run that built a 15-5 advantage on the way to a 25-16 Chargers victory.

Set three was back and forth as both teams tried to seize the advantage with the match in the balance. Tied at 18, it was once again Brownsword that came through in a big way, pounding out three kills and teaming with Kennedy on a block to lead a personal 4-0 run that gave the Chargers the edge it needed to take a 25-21 set victory.

With a 2-1 lead and momentum, Hillsdale jumped on Lake Erie early in set two, building a big early lead on the back of multiple kills from sophomore Taylor Cook and junior Ellie Fles. The Storm made a late charge but Cook and Gorny provided the firepower late for the Chargers to hold on for a 25-17 victory and close out the match.

Four players finished with double-digit kills for the Chargers in a top notch offensive performance. Taylor Cook led the way with 17 kills, Taylor Brownsword chipped in 14 and Marcelina Gorny hit .375 with 13 kills and five total blocks. Ellie Fles chipped in 11 kills and five blocks for the Chargers in the middle as well, while Molly Kennedy added five kills and five total blocks.

With an offensive performance this comprehensive, credit is due to the setter, and sophomore Grace Drake played an excellent match for the Chargers, totaling 52 assists while also adding five total blocks and 10 digs as well. Chloe Pierce led the Chargers defensively with 19 digs, while Ella Byrum and Hannah Baker each chipped in 12 as well.

The victory moves Hillsdale to 12-11 overall, 7-4 in the G-MAC, and close to locking up a spot in the G-MAC Tournament, with a win on the road on Friday at Walsh or on Saturday over Malonelikely enough to ensure the Chargers their spot. Hillsdale is still chasing the potential of a home G-MAC quarterfinal game with a top four finish, and will aim to win out to keep that possibility alive with just two matches left in the regular season. The showdown with the Cavaliers, one of five teams ahead of the Chargers in the standings, will be a critical one as Hillsdale looks to close the gap.