The Marian Ancilla Volleyball team began their 2024 play Friday morning, when they took on a pair of tough opponents in Madison College (WI) and the College of DuPage (IL). Madison posted a 23-10 record last season, while DuPage was 25-17 one year ago. However, the Chargers played with effort and showed potential to be much improved from a year ago. Below is a quick look at each of their first two matchups of the season.
vs. Madison: From the beginning, the WolfPack had a significant height advantage, but the Chargers did not let that discourage them. MUAC played extremely hard from beginning to end, and it was a great opportunity for the newcomers to see how fast-paced collegiate volleyball can be. In the end, Madison won three games to none, 25-14, 25-16, amd 25-13. Sophomore Sarah Tepp (.273) and Redshirt Freshman Kylee Saylor (.250) led the Chargers in hitting, while Freshman Emma LaPato (20 serve receive passes, 13 digs) led the defensive effort.
vs. DuPage: Basically playing back to back games, the Chargers had to quickly adjust to a different style of play, as the Chaparrals used skill and precision, plus they were very good at scrambling to make something out of nothing. The Chargers matched their intensity from the start, but adapting took a little time. Still, they battled a talented DuPage squad. The final was three games to none once again, 25-19, 25-11, 25-16. For a second time Friday, Freshman Emma LaPato (37 serve receive passes) stood out defensively.
Head Coach Heaven Donovan had these thoughts to offer following Friday's action, "the girls played hard even though they were a little tired from the trip. We arrived late Thursday night, and their sleep was limited, but they still played hard. Although we lost twice the first day, the girls were able to see how fast-paced and fun collegiate volleyball can be."