October 17, 2008 - Coming off a gut-wrenching loss last weekend, the Hillsdale College volleyball team put together one of its most impressive wins of the season Friday afternoon.

Playing the opening match of the inaugural GLIAC-GLVC Crossover Tournament in Indianapolis, the Chargers swept Rockhurst University 3-0. Hillsdale is now 14-8 on the season, and will play two matches Saturday: against Missouri-St. Louis and Drury.

The first set was closely played by both teams, and was tied 23-23. The Chargers have struggled at that point in sets from time to time this season, but against Rockhurst, the team delivered clutch plays at the most crucial times.

Freshman Ashlee Crowder, who played a dynamite match, scored a kill to make it 24-23 Hillsdale. A Rockhurst ball-handling error finished off the first set win for the Chargers.

Hillsdale was in full control in the second set from start to finish, building a big early lead and cruising from there. In the first two sets, junior Kitt Smith had 12 kills and just two errors.

Set three belonged to Rockhurst, particularly early. The team built a 19-12 lead before the Chargers began a dramatic comeback.

Hillsdale outscored the Hawks 13-4 to end the third set. Junior Hannah Barrett had a kill when the score was 23-23. Senior Stephanie Booms delivered a service ace to finish off one of Hillsdale's most satisfying wins of the season.

Crowder played her best match in several weeks, getting 14 kills with just one error, and a .419 attack percentage. Smith led the team with 15 kills, continuing her strong play in recent weeks. Freshman Clara Leutheuser was very efficient, with seven kills, one error, a .429 attack percentage and one solo block.

Booms finished with four kills, six digs and 33 assists. Freshman Apryl Schmucker played a solid all-around match with one kill, seven assists, six digs and one service ace. Sophomore Sydney Dow led the Chargers with 21 digs.

To see the match statistics, click on the link below.

Box score