Calvin suffered its first conference defeat of the year and then came back to 
defeat a non-conference rival as the Knights moved to 9-3 overall while falling 
to 4-1 in the MIAA. Calvin opened Saturday with a 22-30, 30-25, 30-22, 30-27 
loss to rival Hope before coming back to defeat Cornerstone in a non-conference 
match 30-19, 30-17, 20-30, 28-30, 15-12. 

The loss to Hope dropped the Knights a victory behind the Flying Dutch who 
improved to 7-6 overall and to 5-0 in the MIAA. 

Senior setter Sara Ahrenholz (Prinsburg, MN) produced an inspiring effort in 
defeat against Hope as she amassed 43 assists and 23 digs. Junior Cassie 
Christopher (Fruitport) was credited with 14 kills while sophomore Trisha 
Balkema (Highland, IN) chipped in with three service aces. 

Against Cornerstone, Calvin was led by the stellar performance of junior 
Melissa Pell (Fremont) as she recorded 16 kills, five service aces and five 
blocks. Ahrenholz was also superb, registering 54 assists, 15 digs and three 
service aces. Balkema and freshman Kristin DeGroot (Tulare, CA) added 11 kills 
apiece with Balkema also picking up 16 digs. 

The match with Cornerstone was the first five-game match of the year for the 
Knights. Pell accounted for Calvin's final two points. With Calvin holding a 
13-12 lead in game five, Pell gave the Knights a two-point lead with a quick hit 
kill. Pell then served up the game-winner with her fifth ace of the match. 

Calvin returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Albion for a 6:30 pm 
conference match.