A sudden turn in momentum translated into a stunning five-game defeat for 
the Calvin volleyball team as the Knights dropped a 16-30, 27-30, 30-26, 30-25, 
15-5 decision to Kalamazoo in the MIAA Tournament semifinals Friday night at 
Alma College. 

The loss snaps Calvin's 12-game win streak and ends its season at 26-7. Calvin 
had defeated Kalamazoo in three previous meetings earlier in the year and 
through two games, it appeared that the Knights would pick up win number four. 

Kalamazoo charged out of the gate in game three however by taking a 4-0 lead. 
Kalamazoo would later build a 21-14 lead before Calvin came back to cut the 
deficit to 23-21 with a 7-2 run. Calvin would get no closer however as the 
Hornets took the game three victory to remain alive. 

Kalamazoo opened game four with another burst, roaring out to a 10-2 lead. 
Kalamazoo would later lead 23-13 before Calvin rallied with an 11-4 run to close 
to within 27-24. The Calvin comeback came up short again though as Kalamazoo 
closed out the match by winning three of the next four points. 

In game five, Calvin never threatened as the Hornets scored the first six points 
including nine of the first 10. 

Calvin was doomed by 17 service errors while Kalamazoo had none, giving the 
Hornets a 17-point advantage in giveaway points from the service line.  

"We lost the momentum and then we dug ourselves too big of a hole," said Calvin 
women's volleyball coach Amber Warners. "Once we lost the momentum, we could 
not find a way to get it back." 

Calvin was led in defeat by senior outside hitter Cassie Christopher (Fruiport 
HS) who racked up a career-high 22 kills along with seven digs and four assists. 
 Senior Melissa Pell (Fremont HS) added 18 kills and three blocks for the 
Knights while senior setter Laura Tucker (Holland Christian HS) had 52 assists 
and junior libero Trisha Balkema 31 digs. 

Kalamazoo was led by Anny Price who collected 13 kills, four blocks and an 
attack percentage of .306. Leah Hayes added 11 kills and 16 digs with Megan 
Erskine contributing 10 kills and three blocks. Senior setter Emily Trahan 
dished out 41 assists and picked up 13 digs for the Hornets. 

Kalamazoo will face Alma in the MIAA Tournament final Saturday at 4:00 p.m. with 
the winnner advancing to the NCAA III Tournament next week.