By Mia Gallagher · Sports Editor
The Grove City College men’s volleyball team rounded out the first half of their PAC schedule on March 10, securing a crucial 3-0 victory over Hiram.
This win closes out a difficult start to PAC play for the Wolverines, who went 2-4 in the opening stretch. The Wolverines, however, demonstrated their ability to bounce back with this win over the Terriers, which bodes well for the team as it enters this final stretch.
“We’ve certainly had our struggles thus far in conference play. Beating Hiram 3-0 was crucial; not just for our record, but for our confidence moving into the second half of the PAC schedule,” senior Tieg Malcolm said.
Headlining the team’s offensive performance was sophomore Keith Otto, who tallied six kills and a season-high five aces against the Terriers. Otto was joined by Malcolm, who generated five kills and three aces.
Junior classmates Max Gianneski, Carson Good and Andrew Kessler rounded out this offensive showing with a combined 22 kills. Junior Craig Fair supported their efforts, supplying 31 assists.
Defensively, Kessler led the Wolverines with five blocks from the net. Good and Malcolm each posted three blocks as well. From the floor, Otto and freshman Evan DiMalanta combined for 14 digs.
“Coming off a very successful first season, there is definitely more pressure on the team now. My hope is that this pressure would motivate us rather than intimidate us,” Malcolm said.
After dropping a 3-0 road decision to Thiel on Saturday, the Wolverines hosted Saint Vincent Wednesday at 7 p.m. They will return to action at 12 p.m. tomorrow against Geneva.
