Wolverines sweep opponents at Waynesburg
By Reagan Thomas · Contributing Writer
The Grove City College women’s volleyball team showcased its strength and depth last Saturday, Sept. 27, improving to 9-3 overall after securing two victories in a tri-match hosted at Waynesburg University’s Rudy Marisa Field House.
In the opening match, Grove City defeated host Waynesburg in a PAC inter-divisional showdown, winning 25-17, 25-27, 25-16, 25-12. The Wolverines followed up with a non-conference win over La Roche, 25-12, 25-11, 18-25, 25-17.
Junior standouts Alayna Dorst and Sarah Hart led the offensive charge against Waynesburg, each tallying 11 kills. Junior Kendra Klusch added eight kills, while sophomore Brooke Manfull contributed six on 13 attacks.
Junior setter Sarah Harris recorded 14 assists, and Manfull added 10 more. Klusch served three aces, with Dorst and sophomore Lilly Wojtala each adding two.
Defensively, sophomore Lilly Pool led with three blocks, while Wojtala and Dorst recorded 14 and 13 digs, respectively.
In the nightcap against La Roche, Dorst again led the team with 15 kills, supported by senior Lila Stonehouse with nine and Hart, Klusch and freshman Taylor Ripple each contributing eight. Pool added seven kills. Senior setter Brooklyn Wirebaugh distributed 25 assists, while Manfull and freshman Eliana Porta each had 11.
Wojtala led the back row with 15 digs, followed by Dorst with 12 and sophomore Bailey Elliott, who posted a career-high 11 digs.
“During the match, I honestly am very calm. My adrenaline kicks in and I just go out and have fun. My teammates also make it really easy to just step in and play free,” Elliot said.
“I’m super competitive, so during intense rallies all I want to do is get a crazy dig or up! Can’t let the ball hit the floor,” Elliot added, when asked about her mindset during intense rallies.
“Team chemistry is what makes this team who they are. We are absolute goofs, but also a highly competitive bunch and that is very evident during our games! The energy is truly electric,” Elliot concluded.
Outside hitter Hart also commented on her approach at the net: “I just try to make good decisions — being aggressive when the set is good and keeping the ball in play if the set is off. If a certain shot is working that game, I try to keep doing it until it doesn’t work.”
After hosting the Golden Tornadoes of Geneva College on Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Wolverines square off against the Bethany Bison tomorrow, Oct. 4. Action will kick off at 1 p.m. in the Grove City College Arena.
