Volleyball team loses to Kalamazoo in quarterfinals of MIAA Tournament

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Olivet College volleyball team ended its season with a three-set loss (25-20, 25-18, 25-19) to Kalamazoo College in the quarterfinals of the 2010 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament tonight at the Anderson Athletic Center in Kalamazoo. With the win, the Hornets advance to play top seed Hope College in Friday night's semifinals. The Comets finish their season with a 12-15 overall record.

Olivet was led by junior Ashley Grimes (Concord), who recorded eight kills. Sophomores Sam Gibson (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) and Melanie Merchant (St. Joseph) each had seven kills. Senior Jenessa Hicks (Union City), this week's MIAA Specialty Player of the Week, dished out 27 assists. Senior Morgan Iloncaie (Port Huron/Imlay City) posted a team-high eight digs. Senior Ellen Schulz (Freeland) served up three aces.

"I'm sad we couldn't pull out one more win for our seniors but I am satisfied with our season as a whole," said Comet Head Coach Lynnette Moster. "It was a great start for where this program is heading. Tonight, Kalamazoo came out strong and kept the pressure on us the entire match. They played very consistent and we made a lot of unforced errors. Sarah Caldwell did a great job in the third set providing energy and aggression."