Calvin took a step in the right direction for winning the John Carroll 
University/Case Western Reserve University Volleyball Invitational by winning 
its preliminary pool Friday night. With victories over Grove City (PA) and 
Hanover (IN) the Knights moved into tomorrow's Gold pool, which is comprised of 
the number one seeded team in each of the other preliminary pools. The Gold pool 
will determine spots one through four overall for the invitational. 

Calvin received big individual efforts from many players on its way to a 30-17, 
23-30, 30-21, 30-26 victory over Grove City. Junior Melissa Pell (Fremont) led 
the way for the Knights as she tallied 13 kills, eight blocks, and two service 
aces. Sophomore Trisha Balkema (Highland, IN) also had a big match with 15 kills 
and 31 digs. Pitching in with 41 assists and 2 service aces was senior setter 
Sara Ahrenholz (Prinsburg, MN). Freshman defensive specialist Kristin DeGroot 
(Tulare, CA) also added 25 digs. 

The Knights made quick work of Hanover, downing them in three straight games 
30-17, 30-11, 30-17. Calvin once again received a top performance from Pell, as 
she rattled of 15 kills and four blocks. Ahrenholz dished out 39 assists and 
seven service aces while Balkema added 12 digs. Sophomore Cassie Christopher 
(Fruitport) and freshman Kara Kuipers (Unity Christian) each recorded nine 
kills. 

On Saturday Calvin will face the winner of an undetermined pool in a 2:00 p.m. 
match with the winner playing again at 4:00 in the championship game.