HILLSDALE, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State volleyball split the first day of the 2017 Hillsdale College Season Opener Volleyball Tournament, dropping the season opener to Findlay, 0-3 before bouncing back and defeating Glenville State 3-0 in their final match of the day.
SVSU moves to 1-1 on the season. Findlay improves to 2-0, while Glenville State falls to 0-2.
Game One - Findlay (L, 0-3)
Findlay jumped out front of the Cardinals through multiple 3 and 4 point runs, taking the first set 25-16. The Oilers continued to create multiple runs throughout the second set, earning a 25-17 victory. Due to the six aces from Findlay, the Oilers continued their victory run in the third set, 25-12, earning a 3-0 victory.
Inside the Boxscore
• Emily Nieman led the team with 13 digs on the Cardinals season opener, earning her the "Player of the Match."
• Sarah Tabit earned her career high of 11 kills.
• Haley Clum contributed 2 block assists and earned the teams top hitting percentage of .667.
• McKenzie Schuster earned 9 digs and 12 kills, hitting .108.
• Hannah Tabit recorded 20 assists, 5 digs and 3 kills.
• The Cardinals defense out-dug the Oilers, 42-34.
From Head Coach Will Stanton
"We struggled to control the ball on serve receive, and that led to a lack of offensive opportunities. When we were passing and getting the ball up, we had some good attacking, and energy. We will need to serve tougher and more consistently as well to have a chance to win against teams that strong."
Game Two - Glenville State (W, 3-0)
SVSU took Glenville State by storm in the first set, 25-14, giving them a 1-0 edge. A late run made by the Cardinals in the second set gave Saginaw Valley the push they needed to secure a victory, 25-19. During the third set, SVSU started out hot on a 5-0 run. The Pioneers tried to sneak a victory by pulling ahead late in the set, 21-18. The Cardinals rallied back and tied the set 22-22 and later pulled ahead for the match victory, 25-23.
Inside the Boxscore
• Sarah Tabit hit her season high hitting average of .313 and contributing 9 kills, earning herself the "Player of the Match."
• Hannah Tabit recorded her career high of 30 assists
• Reagan Moffit earned her career high of 4 kills on 6 attempts with no errors, hitting the teams best average of .667
• Emily Nieman contributed 9 digs and 2 aces
• Haley Clum led the defense with 7 blocks
• McKenzie Schuster added 10 kills and 6 digs for the Cardinals
• SVSU posted their season high of 16 block assists, averaging 5.33 per set.
From Head Coach Will Stanton
"We controlled the serve better so we were able to put more offensive pressure on them. Our blocking was stronger as well, and that put their hitters in some tough spots. Overall we are getting better and figuring out how to play together as a team."
Up Next...
The Cardinals will continue in the tournament Saturday, facing Indianapolis at noon and host Hillsdale at 6:00 p.m.