Spikers stay undefeated at home

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC volleyball team kept its undefeated record at home with a win Thursday, Oct. 12, against Southwestern Michigan College.

LCC won the match 3-1. The Stars won the first game 25-12, won the second 25-22, and then lost the third 25-23. During the last game, the Stars dominated with an overwhelming victory of 25-6.

After this conference win, LCC’s record in conference play improved to 8-1, and its overall record moved to 23-2. The Stars have won 12 matches in a row, having not lost a match in a month.

When the Stars lost the third game, LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero had a message that helped them dominate the fourth.

“We’ve got to regain our focus, we have to minimize our serving errors, and defense is going to win the game,” Coach Quintero said.

On offense, sophomore outside left hitter Alex Widner led LCC in kills with 14 and had a 48 percent kill completion rate. Defensively, freshman setter Karsyn Near led the team in digs with 18, and sophomore defensive specialist Macey Beyerlein followed with 16.

While the Stars were trailing big during the second game, Near had a mindset that helped her to keep focus on the comeback.

“I was just thinking we need to keep our energy up, fight for every point, and hope it works out,” Near said.

Near had 34 assists in the match. She said her job as the setter requires teamwork.

“I kind of have to trust them, but they also call where they will be at so I have to listen and see,” Near said.

As the Stars approach their last three matches of the season, Coach Quintero has a few things she is focusing on with the team in practice.

“Strategically, we’re trying to minimize our errors, defensively winning the games and really ingraining that in their heads,” Quintero said. “And then also focusing on going on longer rallies so we don’t get fatigued with that.”

The Stars will play their next match on Thursday, Oct. 19, against Glen Oaks Community College. They will follow that with a home match against Marian University Ancilla on Oct. 24 in the Gannon Building gym.