By Max De Leeuw – Collegiate Staff
The Grand Rapids Community College Volleyball team battled incredible odds, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Muskegon Community College 3-2.
The 18th ranked Jayhawks seemed to deny that position as they won the first set 25-23 over the second ranked Raider team. MCC went on to win the next set 25-19. The Raiders would have to accept defeat if they lost the ensuing set.
“We had everything to lose going into the third set, knowing okay, if we lose one more, we’re done,” GRCC coach Chip Will said. “There was a sense of urgency. There was a sense of fight. And I think you could really see the difference between set one and set three.”
Despite a strong start to the third set, GRCC had to work hard to take it 26-24. The Jayhawks would not let up for a second but GRCC won the fourth set 25-22.
In the final set, Muskegon started off strong, leading the Raiders 8-2. The Raiders found a groove and the fans got loud as the team battled back and tied the game at 12-12. GRCC won the set 15-3 and with it the match.
“We came out strong,” MCC Coach Rick Rykse said. “We were playing aggressive. Then we stopped playing aggressive.”
GRCC Sophomore setter Michelle Holland led the team in assists with 34, adding six kills and 13 digs. Sophomore libero Amanda Glaza totaled the most digs for the Raiders with 19.
“I felt like our team did a good job of coming back after being down 0-2 and really coming together and communicating more,” Glaza said after the game.
Raider Sophomore Micaela Deshetsky tallied the most kills on the night with 15. Fellow Sophomore and Outside Hitter Rosalyn Wyse had 10 kills of her own.
“I love our kids’ resolve. The fight that they showed being down 0-2 at home coming back,” Will said. “You can’t teach that. You can’t… train heart and desire and a belief in each other to really… be there for each other when times are tough. And we showed that tonight.”
The team is scheduled to play next at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 against Jackson College in Summit Township, Michigan.
Go Raiders! Great article and great news.