Chargers enter regional postseason play, receive GLIAC honors
Tim Sayers
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
| |
|
After ending the GLIAC Conference Tournament with a loss against Grand Valley State University, the Chargers attempt to get back on the winning track tonight and begin their quest for a national title this afternoon in Allendale, Mich. Hillsdale, the sixth seed, will begin by playing third-seeded University of Indianapolis in the opening round.
"Last weekend was just a rollercoaster ride," senior Melissa Bartlett said. "Saturday, we played well and were flowing. Then Sunday we struggled. We're not happy. So, it's nice we have one more chance at redemption."
Last Sunday, for the first time in the team's history, the Chargers played in the finals of the GLIAC Conference Volleyball Tournament. Hillsdale fell for the second time this season to 7th-ranked Grand Valley State University - the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament - 3-1.
"We had a bit of a melt-down," head coach Chris Gravel said. "But we can't linger on it because we have the Regional Tournament to get ready for this week. We know we can play better. We just had a bad match. We have a bad feeling right now, and we just need to get that good feeling back."
Five Chargers were recognized for their play this season. Bartlett was named the GLIAC Player of the Year. Bartlett and junior Stephanie Booms were also awarded First Team All-Conference honors and All-Tournament Team honors. Senior Megan Howard and sophomore Kittrick Smith earned Second Team All-Conference honors, and junior Jamie Murray earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention Award.
"I really think it's a reflection of the team," Bartlett said. "To have a player from our team win the [Player of the Year] Award two years in a row. It shows how strong our program is, and, hopefully, we'll start getting some respect from the conference. I'm very appreciative of the award, and, I guess, it's a goal I've had since I've become a collegiate player."
Saturday in the semi-finals, the Chargers reached the finals by defeating rival 12th-ranked Ashland University for the third time this season.
Despite a slip-up in game three, Hillsdale put the Eagles away 3-1. After winning the first two games, the team sealed the match with a 30-19 win in game four. The Chargers never trailed during the fourth game.
"We were very focused," Gravel said. "We were able to execute our game plan, and we did a nice job. It was a good solid performance."
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
Be the first to comment on this story