Box score

November 11, 2010 - For the third time in the past four years, the Hillsdale College volleyball team eliminated the Ashland University Eagles from the GLIAC Tournament. This year's win earned the Chargers the right to defend their conference title on their home court.

Hillsdale, ranked ninth in the nation, topped the Eagles 3-1 Thursday night at Jesse Philips Arena. Hillsdale is now 26-1 on the season, and will face Ferris State University in the first semifinal match, at Hillsdale College, at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Chargers were in full control of the three sets they won, but did allow Ashland to hang around and keep the match competitive. Hillsdale won the first set 25-18, but the Eagles took set 2, 25-23. The Chargers had nine service errors in the first two sets, and had a tough time finding a consistent offensive rhythm.

But starting with the third set, Hillsdale played to the level indicated by its incredible 26-1 record, running its offense with power and variety. This win was Hillsdale's 25th straight this season.

Junior Ashlee Crowder had a field day at the net for the home team, leading all players with 19 kills. She also had nine digs and hit .359 for the match.

Two of the Chargers' underclassmen had incredible offensive matches, combining for an amazing zero hitting errors between them.

Sophomore middle hitter Lauren Grover (#9, pictured), was dominant at the net, registering 10 kills with no errors and a .667 hitting percentage. Freshman teammate Caitlin Kopmeyer came off the bench to open the third set, and delivered a terrific performance in her first career postseason match. She had eight kills with no errors and five digs, finishing with a .417 hitting percentage. Kopmeyer was particularly effective at finding small openings in the Ashland defense, and attacked the ball very accurately.

Junior Apryl Schmucker approached her career-high in assists, finishing with 52 for the Chargers. Three players had double-digit digs for Hillsdale, led by senior Sydney Dow's 17. Juniors Morgan Podkul and Brogan Wells each had 10.

After the team's nine service errors in the first two sets, Hillsdale committed just one service error in the final two sets.

In the other GLIAC Tournament semifinal match, Grand Valley State will take on Northern Michigan University at 7:30 p.m. The 2010 GLIAC Volleyball Tournament Championship Match will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday.