Hillsdale 3, Ashland 0


October 28, 2011 - It was only fitting that Hillsdale College's third straight GLIAC South Division championship came in a sweep over arch-rival Ashland.

The Chargers improved to 21-2 on the season with a 3-0 win over the Eagles before a packed Jesse Philips Arena Friday night. Hillsdale is now 15-1 in the GLIAC, and clinched the outright South Division title for the third year in a row, an unprecedented accomplishment in conference history. The Chargers will host Lake Erie College at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Hillsdale won the sets by scores of 25-20, 25-20 and 28-26.

The Chargers were able to go to their most powerful and reliable weapon to pick up this win. Senior Ashlee Crowder was on her game, finishing the match with 13 kills, only one error and a .571 hitting percentage. She was able to mix up roll shots with touch shots over the net, and her characteristic power, which few teams have been able to counter in her marvleous career.

Crowder, along with four of her senior teammates, were honored in a pre-match ceremony on Senior Weekend. The team's other two seniors will be honored before Saturday's match.

Hillsdale scored six straight points to close out the first set after trailing 20-19. The Chargers were in firm control throughout the second set, but were tested by the Eagles in the third set.

Ashland hung tough with Hillsdale in the "extra time" after both teams hit the 24-point mark. Senior Amanda Geelhoed teamed up with junior Lauren Grover on a gorgeous block to make the score 27-26. An Ashland hitting error then closed out the match.

Grover had 11 kills and five total blocks, including two solo stops. Hillsdale outblocked Ashland 10-1 in the match.

Senior Morgan Podkul led a steady defensive effort with a team-high 13 digs, with sophomore Caitlin Kopmeyer contributing 10. Senior Apryl Schmucker had 40 assists in the match, and senior Clara Leutheuser had nine kills.