Miller splits two matches in coaching debut for Olivet College volleyball team

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Olivet College volleyball team split two matches today at the Kalamazoo College Green Hornet Invitational. In her first match as head coach, Megan Miller led the Comets to a thrilling five-set win over Franklin (Ind.) College. Olivet then suffered a three-set loss to Case Western Reserve (Ohio) University.

Against Franklin, the Comets lost the first two sets (25-17 and 25-23). They bounced back to win the next two sets (25-23 and 25-22) to force a fifth and deciding set. Olivet rolled to a 15-8 win in that set to win the match.

Freshman Lydia Drikakis (Battle Creek/Lakeview) recorded 18 kills in her first collegiate match. Junior Stefanie Lang (Valparaiso, Ind.) pounded down 12 kills on 22 attempts. Junior Tina Westendorp (Nashville/Maple Valley) also collected double digit kills with 11. Sophomore Taylor Pringle (Haslett) dished out 31 set assists. Sophomore Megan VanderVlucht (McBain) posted team-highs in aces (four) and digs (16).

Case Western won in three sets (25-17, 25-12, 25-17). Drikakis added seven more kills, while sophomore Emma Brann (Ann Arbor/Pioneer) was next with four. Lang and Westendorp had three kills apiece. Pringle added 10 set assists, and VanderVlucht had nine digs.

Olivet returns to Kalamazoo tomorrow and will play Anderson (Ind.) University at 1 p.m., and Defiance (Ohio) College at 3 p.m.