August 21, 2021, ROCKFORD, Ill. - The No. 11-ranked Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team picked up its first win of the season by sweeping Joliet Junior College in their last match of the McHenry College Invitational on Saturday.
In their first match of the day, the Raiders took on the No. 1 ranked and defending national champions, Johnson County Community College. After a tough opening set, losing 20-25, the Raiders responded with a five-point win in set two. The Raiders led 20-19 in set three, but the Cavaliers responded by scoring the last six points to take the set. Johnson County then took the fourth set 25-20 to win the match.
Sophomore middle Annie Holesinger of Rockford, Mich. led the Raiders offense with 12 kills while hitting just over .400.
GRCC concluded tournament play by defeating Joliet Junior College of Joliet, Ill. in straight sets 25-9, 25-14, 25-10.
All 14 Raiders contributed by scoring at least one point in the match, led by sophomore outside hitter Kara Hecht of Zeeland, Mich. who scored seven points on five kills and two aces. She also hit a season best .571 and picked up a season best five digs.
Freshman outsides Morgan Fugate of Wayland, Mich. and Audrey Torres of Caledonia, Mich. combined for nine kills and just one hitting error, while freshman right-side Karissa Ferry (Chesaning, MI) added five kills and two blocks.
GRCC had a season high 12 aces against the Wolves including four from libero Audrey Gower of Dimondale, Mich.
The team finished the season-opening tournament with a win and three losses.
Next weekend the Raiders will travel to Perrysburg, Ohio to participate in the Owens Express Invitational. The team is scheduled to take on two more top 10 teams, including No. 2 Parkland College on Aug. 28.