Volleyball team looks forward to a successful season

Although the school year is barely underway, the volleyball team has already started what looks to be another successful year. The team has so far competed in two tournaments where they have earned a 4-4 record. The Pilots began their season at Grace College where they took on Huntington University. The ladies left a strong impact on their conference foe, beating them in three sets. The scores were 25-16, 25-12, and 25-10. This was a strong start to the season as the team hopes to have another solid conference season. The Pilots then faced a tough Mount Vernon Nazarene team which they lost in a heartbreaking five set match by a score of 17-25, 25-22, 25-17, 20-25, 11-15. Ashley Wagner had a very strong tournament as she had 11 kills in their opener. Following their tough loss, the Pilots fell short to IU East by a score of 23-25, 25-10, 27-29, and 19-25. However, the Pilots did end the tournament on a strong note as they downed IU Southeast in three straight sets. Callie Hartman led the team with 23 kills and 24 digs. Overall, Emily Henry did a great job leading the Pilots as she earned All-Tournament honors. Following the Grace Tournament, the Lady Pilots traveled to Dearborn, Michigan where they competed in four more games. The Pilots once again started  on a strong note as they defeated Lourdes College in straight sets by a score of 25-13, 25-23, and 25-17. Ashley Wagner and Emily Henry each contributed 10 kills to the victory; however, it was not enough momentum to top No. 21 ranked Madonna in their next game. The Pilots were able to capture a game to force four sets, but Madonna won the match. Callie Hartman had another terrific game with 11 kills. The pilots then headed to Dearborn, Michigan on Saturday  where they once again finished 1-1 on the day. They were first defeated by University of Saint Francis of Illinois by a score of 23—25, 20—25, 26—24, and 20—25. Following the four set loss, they captured their fourth straight set game over Notre Dame College. Callie Hartman and Emily Henry lifted the Pilots throughout the entire tournament and were named to the All-Tournament Team.