Volleyball goes 3-0
Nathan McClallen
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Sports
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The Chargers began play Friday against Rockhurst University. It was a tight contest, but Hillsdale fought back from a 19-12 deficit in the third set to complete the win.
Sophomore Sydney Dow had 21 digs in the match to lead the team, while freshman Clara Leutheuser finished with seven kills and only one error.
In the first game on Saturday, the Chargers defeated the University of Missouri St. Louis in five sets. It was only the third time this season a match has gone to five sets; the Chargers were 1-1 before Saturday's win.
Senior setter Stephanie Booms filled up the stat sheet with 43 assists, five kills and five digs.
"Our solid play from Friday night carried over in the match against Missouri," said Booms. "We haven't played very many five set matches, so it was a good learning experience for the team. Missouri St. Louis is in first place in the GLVC West Division, which means the win should boost our regional rankings."
To wrap up the tournament, Hillsdale beat Drury University 3-1. The offensive output was spread between several players, as six players had six or more kills in the match.
Junior Kitt Smith and freshman Ashlee Crowder each finished with at least 12 kills in all three tournament matches.
In addition to three quality wins, the Hillsdale volleyball team left Indianapolis with a new all-time leader in career assists.
After racking up 125 assists over the weekend, Booms broke the record previously held by Stephanie McKeachie.
"I didn't even know about it until we got on the bus on the way home," said Booms. "It's a good accomplishment, but it definitely wouldn't have been possible without my teammates - their quality passes and kills. It is more satisfying to get the three wins and go into our last five matches in the GLIAC South playing well."
She now has 4,418 assists for her career.
Smith has been one of the beneficiaries of Booms' stellar play. According to Smith, it would be hard to find a better setter.
"I've gotten to play with Stephanie for three years, so we communicate really well. She is great at connecting with the hitters; she'll talk to them and figure out where they need the ball or how they want to be set."
There are two more away games on the horizon before the Chargers play their next home match.
First up is rival Ashland University, followed by Tiffin University on Saturday.
Although Hillsdale beat both teams at home earlier this season, they have to stay focused. Ashland also went undefeated in the crossover tournament, and the Chargers have never played at Tiffin.
According to head coach Chris Gravel, their playoff destiny lies in their own hands, especially after their performance last weekend.
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