KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Calvin University women's volleyball team returned to action with a 3-0 win at Kalamazoo College on Wednesday by the scores of 25-16, 25-11 and 25-14.
Calvin (15-7, 4-1 MIAA) was in control throughout the match and dominated in many phases, finishing with an attack efficiency of .272 overall and recording nine total blocks while holding Kalamazoo (6-16, 0-6 MIAA) to a .027 attack percentage of the match.
The Knights started aggressively on the attack and hit .406 in the opening set, led by four kills apiece from
Avery Ekkens (Portage, Mich./Kalamazoo Christian) and
Emma Ekblaw (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton) while
Jasmine Namminga (Pella, Iowa/Pella Community) recorded three blocks.
The second set was more of the same, as
Aerin Baker (Saugatuck, Mich./Saugatuck) led the attack with four kills and
Vanessa Martinez (Hudsonville, Mich./Wyoming) added two service aces to lead Calvin to a 2-0 overall lead.
The Hornets kept things close early in the third set, but the Knights put the match away with another strong set as they held Kalamazoo to a negative attack percentage with the help of three more Namminga blocks to secure the win.
Ekkens led the Knights in both kills (11) and digs (18) to record her eighth double-double of the season. Ekblaw added 10 kills, while Baker finished with nine.
Namminga continued her strong season in the front row on defense with eight total blocks to go with four kills. Martinez finished with four aces.
Mackenzie Gerig (Rochester, N.Y./Hilton) and
Lina Kasuboski (Racine, Wis./Union Grove) each finished with 12 digs.
Grace Spoelma (Caledonia, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) and
Delaney Kemp (Frisco, Texas/Frisco Centennial) tied for the team lead with 15 assists apiece.
COACH'S COMMENT: "I thought we played free with a lot of focus and intensity while having a lot of fun tonight," Calvin head women's volleyball coach Dr.
Amber Warners said.
NEXT UP: Calvin women's volleyball will return to action on Friday, October 25, when it travels to Hope College for a non-conference match scheduled to start at 6:30 PM.
