By Shane Madden
The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team headed north to test the waters of the newly formed Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern conference, where they swept both of their opponents during the first leg of their five-game road trip.
The Raiders defeated North Central Michigan College, Friday, Sept. 16, in straight sets 25-19, 25-15, and 25-15.
Sophomore Eliza Thelen and redshirt sophomore Kara Hecht led GRCC with seven kills apiece. Sophomore Audrey Torres added six kills with three aces, and redshirt sophomore Audrey Gower hustled for seven digs and three aces.
Every Raider saw action and 11 different players scored at least one point.
Associate head coach David Rawles couldn’t be reached by The Collegiate but gave comment to GRCC athletics. “I was pleased with the way we executed after such a long delay. We got better with every point and finished on a high note. Loved to see everyone on the roster contribute.”
Saturday Sept. 17, the Raiders trekked across the Mackinac Bridge to take on Bay College, where they swept the Norse, 25-17, 25-7, 25-13.
Redshirt sophomore Alena Visnovsky had a career night, totaling 12 points on six kills and six blocks. Sophomore Kara Hecht added seven kills and tied redshirt freshman Audrey Gower with 10 digs.
Sophomore setter Shannon Russell finished with 20 assists, picking up her 1,000th assist as a Raider. Russell currently sits at sixth place in all-time assists at GRCC.
Another sweep gives preseason conference favorite GRCC their 6th win in a row, with the team now sitting at 6-2 on the season and off to a great start to their conference schedule. The Raiders head to Alpena on Monday, Sept. 19 for a conference double-header with Alpena Community College, the first game is scheduled for 5 p.m.
