GVSU volleyball finished the Oredigger Classic with a weekend record of 1-3. The Lakers went 1-1 today, losing to Colorado School of Mines and defeating Colorado Mesa University in the the final game of the tournament.
The Lakers won the first set of the day 25-19, after coming back from an early seven point deficit (3-10). After falling to the Orediggers in set two with a close score of 23-25, GVSU won the third set 25-23. The Lakers fell in set four and in set five with respective scores of 21-25 and 4-15.
Junior Sarah Wight led the Lakers with a career high 18 kills and six blocks. Senior Ali Thompson chipped in 13 kills and 10 digs. Junior Lisa Sullivan also tallied 11 kills and setter Rachel Jacquel dished out 45 assists against the Orediggers.
"While I would like to think we performed better than a 1-3 record, that's where we are right now," said head coach Jason Johnson. "Starting today with another five set loss to Colorado Mines was a tough way to begin our day after so many close sets on Friday. While the fifth set wasn't a very well competed or executed match, I thought they played well against the host team on their home court. After the match, I felt our team leadership did a great job keeping everyone connected and focused on finishing the weekend strong."
Heading into the final match of the tournament, the Lakers were looking to pick up their first win of the season. They defeated CMU in four sets with scores of 25-18, 17-25, 25-13, and 25-21.
Again, Sarah Wight led the Lakers with 17 kills and six blocks. Jaelianna Primus tallied seven kills and six blocks, Lisa Sullivan finished with eight kills, and senior Abby Graham recorded 11 digs against CMU.
"Colorado – Mesa is a very athletic physical team that was playing well this weekend," said Johnson. "I think our size, length and athleticism created some mismatch issues for them. I'm proud of this group and looking forward to getting back to Allendale to get back to work."
Sarah Wight was selected to the All-Tournament team voted on by the coaches. Wight totaled 55 kills and 19 blocks this weekend.
The Lakers are back in action next weekend as they travel to Springfield, Illinois to compete in the UIS Capital Classic.
