Volleyball secures home court for MIAA Tournament match

Volleyball secures home court for MIAA Tournament match

ALBION, Mich. – Albion College secured home court advantage for a first round match in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Tournament with a four set (28-26, 25-21, 24-26, 31-29) victory over Trine University at Kresge Gymnasium Wednesday night.

Albion almost had its path to victory blocked at the net. Trine collected 14 blocks, with Shannon Scott leading the way with eight and Morgan Harris adding seven.

"Trine made it tough on our outside hitters and our out of system game could not score," Albion Head Coach Kristin de St. Aubin said. "We always rely on what we do best which is serving and passing. Our hitters didn't get frustrated."

Shelby Palmer, a first-year outside hitter, terminated a point and assisted Taylor Rosenthal on a block for the final two points of the first set.

Albion scored the final four points of the second set. It started with a Trine attack error, picked up momentum when Grace VanDorn served an ace and Kelsey Gustafson knocked down a block and ended on another Trine attack error.

VanDorn served match point in the third set, but Trine stayed alive on a Briton attack error. Trine extended the match when Kendra Nicley served an ace and Albion committed another attack error.

Marie Pregenzer terminated a point and assisted Kate Winter on a block for the final two points of the match.

Albion placed three hitters in double figures in kills (Winter with 16, Rosenthal with 14 and Pregenzer with 12). Pregenzer added six blocks and five digs, while Rosenthal chipped in with five blocks.

VanDorn finished her 36th career double-double with 44 assists and 18 digs.

Libero Monica Shuk contributed some tough digs, finishing the night with 29.

Albion finished the regular season at 16-11 overall and 5-3 against MIAA rivals. First round matches in the MIAA Tournament will be played Tuesday, Oct. 30.

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