By Nicole Hauck
Staff Writer
The Susquehanna women’s volleyball team went 1–3 in a four-match tournament Grand Rapids, Mich.
In the first game, Susquehanna fell in three sets against the Calvin College, who are currently ranked first in the nation from the latest NCAA Division III ranking.
“It was a privilege to play against the top teams and if we want to get better, we are going to have to compete against them to improve. Overall, the weekend was of course challenging, we knew that going into it, but it pushed us as a team to work harder,” said Bost.
The first set began with the Susquehanna earning the first two points by junior middle and outside hitter Hannah Lyons and Sophomore right-side hitter, Sydney Portale.
The first point was from a kill by Lyons and the next point was from a block from both Lyons and Portale. The Knights however would dominate from here on out to take the win.
The River Hawks had four game leaders against Calvin. The leaders were freshman outside hitter, Brooke Lacesa and right-side and outside hitter Riley O’Dowd. Lacesa recorded three kills and one ace, where O’Dowd recorded two kills. Portable earned two kills and two blocks. Lastly, Lyon recorded three kills and two blocks.
Susquehanna then played seventh-ranked Thomas More College for their second game of day where they also fell in straight sets 25–21, 25–18 and 25–12.
The first set it was a constant battle between both sides as there were six lead changes but the Saints would come out with the win.
The River Hawks recorded 30 kills and 26 assists throughout the whole match. Sophomore setter Gabby Davis recorded 18 assists.
Lacesa and O’Dowd both recorded eight kills while O’Dowd also contributed three blocks. Lyons recorded seven kills and three blocks. Portale had five kills and two blocks.
Susquehanna would bounce back the next day however with a win against No. 19 ranked Ohio Northern University. This match went into a total of five sets with Susquehanna dominating the last three sets taking the win. The scores of the sets were 22-25, 23- 25, 25-15, 25-21 and 17-15.
Susquehanna came ready to play for this match and did not let up. The River Hawks ended with 73 kills compared to the Polar Bears 60. This game was a huge team effort and had valuable moments and stats contributed by many players. Key player, Portale led the team with 18 kills and one block. Followed by Lacesa with 15 kills and one block. O’Dowd finished with 13 kills and five blocks and Lyons had 12 kills and seven blocks.
In addition, Susquehanna’s defense made a huge impact during this match. Sophomore defensive specialist Lizzie Herestofa, junior defensive specialist Kasey Bost and freshman defensive specialist Megan Nelson had 36, 15 and 15 digs respectfully. Junior setter Lindsey Pugh handed out 55 assists during the match.
It was the third set when the River Hawks came out determined to win. Freshman middle and outside hitter Kody Dillon’s kill to start their momentum. This was Susquehanna’s first lead in the set and never backed down.
In the fourth set, Susquehanna took control and although the Polar Bears started rally, it was not enough to stop the River Hawks from taking the set.
During the fifth set, the River Hawks began an early lead and relied on Portale multiple times towards the end. Lyons had a kill giving Susquehanna the lead. A ball error from Ohio Northern would seal the win for the River Hawks.
For the second game on Sunday, the River Hawks fell to Hope College who is ranked No. 16. Susquehanna lost in three close sets 25–20, 25–23 and 25–12.
The River Hawks were fought hard and kept the game tight game but they lost their momentum in the last set.
Game leaders were Portale, Dillon, O’Dowd and Pugh. Portale and Lyon lead the team four blocks each.
The River Hawks are currently 18-11 on the year and are ranked fourth in the region. Susquehanna’s will return to action at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 vs Franklin & Marshall in Selinsgrove.