
The Marian Ancilla Volleyball team took to the road Thursday evening for their first away conference game, as they traveled to Centreville, Michigan, to face off against Glen Oaks Community College. In a matchup where both teams were looking for their first MCCAA victory, the Vikings proved to be too mighty, defeating the Chargers, 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-22).
MUAC came out with good energy and played fast early on, holding the lead multiple times in the first set. But Glen Oaks forced several long rallies and ultimately took command late for the win. The second set turned out to be mostly Glen Oaks in control, but the intensity of the third set matched the first, with a lot of rallies and the Chargers finding several successful stretches. In the end, it just wasn't enough.
Freshman Emma LaPato was once again effective defensively, at one point posting 17 consecutive serve-receive passes. Redshirt Freshman Kylee Saylor also stepped up, rattling off a stretch of four consecutive aces. Per Head Coach Heaven Donovan, "we came out and played aggressively early on, but we seemed to burn out quickly and struggled through that second set. We bounced back in the third, but we couldn't take control." Donovan continued, "at this point in the season, we are looking for our rotations to 'click' a little better each match, so we can solidify our play and earn conference wins."
The Chargers will be back in action next week, as their conference schedule ramps up. Glen Oaks was also just the first of four consecutive games on the road. Next up on the docket are Lake Michigan College, Tuesday, in Benton Harbor, followed by Lansing Community College, Thursday, in Lansing. Both matches are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Please come out and support the Chargers, if you are able!!