SMC Starts OWT 1-1

The Southwestern Michigan College Volleyball Team went 1-1 on day one of the Opening Weekend Tournament in Rockford, Illinois.  SMC lost in four sets to John A. Logan 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, and 22-25 but then went on to sweep Spoon River 25-11, 25-23, 25-17. 

 

"Today was a learning experience to kick off our season," Head Coach Jenny Nate said. "We have a mix of freshmen and returners, and we are trying to build chemistry, get in sync, trust each other, and focus on winning points in every rotation.  John A. Logan is a very strong. fast experienced team with height and attacking power on the net.  They were also our only loss last fall at OWT. I am happy we kicked off the season against a team this tough so that our freshmen got to experience the speed and intensity at this level.  We played them close but relied a lot on a couple hitters who were putting the ball down, and to beat teams like this, it is going to take all of our attacker scoring points from their various positions with a multitude of shots.  We took the first set and were right there with them every set.  I liked our resilience and ability to learn from that match and turn it up a notch against Spoon River, sweeping them with more of a balanced offense.  We are determined to get better every day and look forward to heading into tomorrow ready to work together improving and play to win."

 

Leading serving scorers on Friday: Talan Hiemstra 18 points, 1 ace; Amie Schutz 16 points, 4 aces; Ryli Burks 13 points; Carlie Ritchie 11 points, 1 ace

 

Kills: Amie Schutz 30, Ryli Burks 16, Talan Hiemstra 8, Lily Kowalik 8, Maggie Arney 5

 

Blocks: Maggie Arney 8, Lily Kowalik 5, Amie Schutz 4, Ryli Burks 3, Meah Evans 3, Talan Hiemstra 1

 

Digs: Carlie Ritchie 28, Meah Evans 20, Ryli Burks 18, Amie Schutz 14, Talan Hiemstra 8, Sophia Bachman 7

 

Assists: Meah Evans 36, Sophia Bachman 10