The Grand Valley State University women’s volleyball team hosted and participated in the Hampton Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Downtown Classic tournament, which ran from Thursday, Sept. 12 to Saturday, Sept. 14.
The Lakers started the tournament against Northwood University (6-1). Northwood came out strong, dominating in the first set. Throughout, Northwood went on multiple three point runs and took the lead with an eight point run, winning the set 25-20. However, GVSU then took control in the second and third set, going on four point runs and winning the second set 25-10 and the third set 25-18.
Going point-for-point in the fourth set, Northwood came out on top, winning 28-26, and taking the Lakers into a fifth set. The Lakers began the fifth set with a four point run, and ended the set on a three point run, ultimately taking the fifth set 15-9.
Not only did GVSU take the 3-2 win against Northwood, they also dominated in kills, averaging about 12 kills per set. Leading the team was freshman outside hitter Grace Busold, who finished with 13 kills and 2 blocks, and senior setter Jordyn Gates who finished with 10 kills, 32 assists and 4 blocks.
Head coach Jason Johnson described the element of unpredictability that’s present in tournaments.
“The reality is, you can’t prepare for them (tournaments), and so we’re just trying to figure out the little stuff, but it’s really about our side of the net at this time of the year” said Johnson.
Busold also shared her feelings about the importance of teamwork.
“You can just depend on every person out there to do their job,” Busold said. “Everybody can evolve. You just have to work with your teammates, work with everybody and just outsmart.”
After a tough match against Northwood, the Lakers took on both Tiffin University and Missouri Western State University on Friday, Sept 13. Starting in the first two sets against Tiffin, the Lakers dominated in both sets with multiple two-to-three point runs, winning the first set 25-18, and winning the second set 25-14. Starting in the third set, Tiffin managed to get ahead, running a six point lead, and ultimately taking the third set 25-19, pushing the Lakers to a fourth.
Starting in the fourth set, the Lakers ran a five point lead, keeping their lead and ultimately winning the set 25-23.
In the first set against Missouri, the Lakers had the lead until Missouri went on a four point run. However, the Lakers quickly bounced back and took over that lead on a six point run, taking the set 25-23. The Lakers dominated in both the second and third sets, taking the second set 25-18, and the third 25-21. This earned them their first sweep in the tournament against Missouri.
Continuing into Saturday, Sept. 14, the GVSU Lakers took on Bemidji State University for their final game of the tournament. Starting in the first set, the Lakers went on two three point runs, with a total of 14 kills, taking the first set 25-19. The Lakers then finished on top in the second set, 25-18. Going into the third set, the Lakers came in with an immediate three point run, ultimately keeping themselves in the lead, and finishing the third set 25-15, earning their second sweep of the weekend against Bemidji State.
Finishing the weekend 4-0 and boasting an undefeated record, the Lakers will be taking on Ferris State University at home on Friday Sept. 20 at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.
