Volleyball Takes First Conference Loss

The Southwestern Michigan College Volleyball Team took a tough road loss Thursday at Kalamazoo Valley 26-28, 19-25, 17-25.  "We came into tonight's match without our starting middle who rolled her ankle at practice yesterday, and we knew we would have to change the lineup and faceoff against their strong outside hitters," said Head Coach Jenny Nate. "Every team faces adversity though, and no matter who is on the court or what lineup we are in, we have to find a way to win.  Then, in the second set, our right side rolled her ankle, and we were once again faced with a lineup change.  We were not able to control the runs or really get an offensive lead going besides in the start of the first set, and even though we were prepared based on film study for what they were going to come at us with offensively, we were just a step behind defensively and on our blocking. Fortunately, we are heading into a weekend off in order to heal some of the injuries, rest, recharge, evaluate film from tonight, and make improvements so that we can come back stronger next week and ready to face Lansing on our home court." 

 

The Roadrunners are 23-6 and 8-1 in conference play. Based on other Thursday action, they hold a two-game lead in the Western Conference with three games to play. Kalamazoo Valley, Kellogg and Lansing are all tied for second at 6-3.

 

Leading serving scorers: Amie Schutz 8 points, 2 aces; Meah Evans 4 points, 1 ace; Carlie Ritchie 4 points; Sophia Bachman 4 points; Talan Hiemstra 2 points

 

Kills: Amie Schutz 12, Ryli Burks 11, Lily Kowalik 7, Talan Hiemstra 4, Meah Evans 3, Sophia Bachman 2, Ashanti Bonner 1

 

Blocks: Lily Kowalik 3, Talan Hiemstra 2, Amie Schutz 2, Meah Evans 1

 

Digs: Carlie Ritchie 19, Sophia Bachman 8, Amie Schutz 7, Meah Evans 5, Ryli Burks 5, Talan Hiemstra 3

 

Assists: Meah Evans 20, Sophia Bachman 10