Click on the links below for box scores from all four matches

#10 Hillsdale 3, Abilene Christian 1

#5 Florida Southern 3, #10 Hillsdale 0

#10 Hillsdale 3, Metro State 0

#10 Hillsdale 3, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs 0


August 26 2007 - Entering a brand-new season, the grand success of 2006 still fresh in their minds, the players on the Hillsdale College volleyball team are intent on creating their own legacy in this just-started 2007 season. The Chargers took a very nice step forward on that journey with a 3-1 record in their first weekend of competition this season.

Hillsdale won three of four matches at the Florida Southern Invitational, held in Lakeland, Fla. The Chargers scored victories over Abilene Christian (Tx.) 3-1, and a pair of 3-0 sweeps over two quality teams: Metro State (Col.) and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Hillsdale's lone loss came at the hands of the host school, fifth-ranked Florida Southern, 3-0. It was Hillsdale's first loss away from home since November 2005.

The Chargers came out of the gate looking like a seasoned team, which they are in some respects, but many young players saw their first, or most extensive playing time of their careers, and played like veterans. All four of the team's freshmen saw plenty of playing time in Florida, while a handful of players who haven't played much in their careers, accepted their increased roles with quality play.

Sophomore middle hitter Emily Bennett, who played in just seven total games last year, started all four matches over the weekend and was extremely efficient, picking up 23 kills with a .396 hitting percentage.

Senior middle hitter Jen Pilot, whose previous career high for kills in a match was six, eclipsed that figure four times over the weekend, picking up a career-best 10 kills vs. Abilebe Christian and Metro State. She also delivered a team-high 13 total blocks over the weekend.

Senior Melissa Bartlett resumed her role of devastating force behind the offense, leading the Chargers with 57 kills over the weekend. She achieved at least 11 kills in all four matches, and led all players with 19 kills against Metro State.

Junior setter Stephanie Booms averaged more than 11.5 assists per game throughout the weekend, while senior Megan Howard resumed her four-digs-per-game pace she's maintained throughout her career.

The Charger freshman class also showed that it will be a force to be reckoned with in the present in addition to the future. Amanda Bigney hit .500 in both matches she played in, including a high of seven kills in a very short amount of time on the court vs. Metro State.

Freshman Sydney Dow started her first collegiate match and was a regular member of the rotation throughout the tournament, providing Hillsdale excellent defensive play and serving. She had a tournament-high seven service aces against Metro State, and she played with poise beyond her years in all four matches.

Freshman Amanda Geelhoed totaled three kills and one solo block in her time on the court during the tournament. Freshman Rachel VanderWall also started three matches and provided steady all-around play from the right side. She racked up nine kills, five digs and five assists at the tournament, showing her versatility on the court.

The Chargers will play their first home match of this season Tuesday night, taking on neighboring Spring Arbor University. This marks Hillsdale's first match back at home since last year's memorable playoff run that saw Hillsdale host both the GLIAC Tournament, and the Division II Great Lakes Regional Tournament. Admission to the match is free and it begins at 7 p.m.