BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The Hilbert College women's volleyball team wrapped up play Saturday at the Golden Eagle Invitational, squaring off against St. Lawrence University and Grove City College in a challenging doubleheader at the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gym. The Hawks showed resilience throughout the day, earning a set victory against St. Lawrence, and later dropped a match to Grove City.
St. Lawrence 3, Hilbert 1
Hilbert opened the day with its strongest performance of the tournament, pushing St. Lawrence to a four set 25-18, 24-26, 25-16, 25-17.
After dropping the opening set, the Hawks responded in dramatic fashion in the second. Hilbert fought through 12 tie scores and four lead changes before edging the Saints 26-24 to even the match at one set apiece.
Junior outside hitter Jordan Austin paced the Hawks with six kills and 13 digs, while Jazzelle McLean added eight kills and hit .286. Setter Lindsay Madigan directed the offense with 18 assists, five service aces and 13 digs in a strong all-around effort. Defensively, libero Jade Schiller led Hilbert with a match-high 20 digs.
Hilbert collected 24 kills, 11 service aces, and 55 digs in the contest. The Hawks were especially effective from the service line, using Madigan's five aces and contributions from six different players to keep pressure on the Saints throughout the match.
While St. Lawrence finished with a .212 team hitting percentage.
Grove City 3, Hilbert 0
In the afternoon finale, Hilbert faced a Grove City squad that entered the match with an 8-1 record. The Wolverines captured the match in straight sets, 25-12, 25-17, 25-18.
Despite the setback, the Hawks saw several players contribute offensively. Jordan Austin and Olivia Vitale each tallied four kills, while Onolee Easterbrook, Riley O'Neill, Jazzelle McLean, and Lezly McComber added three kills apiece.
Madigan posted 19 assists while Schiller once again anchored the back row with 14 digs. Hilbert also received solid net play from Chelsea Foltz, who recorded three solo blocks, and McLean, who added a solo block of her own.
The Hawks improved as the match progressed, scoring 18 points in the third set after totaling 29 points through the opening two frames. Grove City totaled 37 kills and hit .162 as a team.
Up Next
Hilbert will look to build on the positive moments from Saturday's competition as the Hawks continue non-conference play on the road Tuesday to face Houghton University at 7pm.
