VOLLEYBALL

As one of two Crossroads League teams to remain undefeated, Grace (5-0, 5-0) claimed the HU volleyball team as its latest victim in a 3-1 decision, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-17, Saturday night at Platt Arena. HU is just the second team to steal a set against the hot-handed Lancers as Grace has already blanked IWU, MVNU and Taylor.

While Huntington outhit their visitors, 52-45, Herber’s squad committed twice as many errors which ultimately led to their demise. Tya Bynum was active in the middle to finish with a match-high 11 kills. Brandy Michie tallied ten as the only other player on either team to post double-digit kills.

“Ultimately, we made too many unforced errors tonight,” said Coach Herber. “Against a great team like Grace, we cannot afford to give them points off our mistakes.”

The Lancers enjoyed a balanced attack with Katie Swanson recording nine kills. Makaela Louchmueller and Paige Eakright, a former Forester who is wrapping up her playing career as a graduate student at GC, each collected eight kills.

Both teams’ defense at the net was solid with GC out-blocking their hosts 7-4. Lindsay Ingenito topped HU with 1.5 blocks.

Ariene Butler and Hannah Maier trolled the backline to track down 15 and 14 digs respectively. Jennings Tacosik had her hand in everything to finish with 42 assists, seven digs, three kills and two aces.

“I thought our blockers had some great touches tonight that slowed down the ball so our back court defenders could put up a solid first ball contact,” noted Herber.

The Foresters got off to a rough start in the opening set but came storming back in set two to pick off the Lancers. Set three was a barn-burner featuring nine ties and four lead changes before Grace got the better end of the deal after which they cruised to a fourth set win.

The Foresters (0-5, 0-5) have a two-game homestand next week, hosting IWU on Thursday and Marian on Saturday.