Oct. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its victory streak to 14 matches, defeating McHenry County College and Lake Michigan College on Sunday in the Raider Challenge tournament.
GRCC first played a tough McHenry team, which last year finished in 10th place at the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship tournament.
After narrowly winning the first two sets 25-23 and 31-29, GRCC started the third set with an 8-1 advantage. McHenry, from Crystal Lake,, Ill., battled back to take the set 25-22, but GRCC rebounded to take the final set 25-18.
Outside hitters Audrey Torres and Kara Hecht combined for 33 of the team's 52 total kills, and seven of the team's 10 service aces.
Audrey Gower led the team with 23 digs, Shannon Russell had a team-high 40 assists and Alena Visnovsky was the team's block leader with five.
"I feel like it was nice to play some competition outside of our conference, especially a top-20 team in the nation like McHenry, so we can see where we are at,” sophomore Karissa Ferry said. “I'm happy with our success this weekend, but know we always have to keep working.”
In the final match of the tournament, GRCC topped the Western Conference leading- Lake Michigan College, winning 25-15, 25-19, and 25-11.
Every GRCC player played in the game, and 12 players scored or had an assist.
Torres led the team again with 12 kills and Eliza Thelen contributed with 10 while hitting a solid .381.
“I think that playing teams we haven't played before is beneficial,” Gower said. “It teaches us how to find new ways to play above other teams and pull out a win.”
GRCC, now 14-2 on the season, begins round two of conference play on Oct. 7. The game is against North Central Michigan College, and the homecoming celebration includes honoring GRCC’s 2012 national championship team.