GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - On the final day of the Cornerstone Tournament, Grace's volleyball team lost twice to local schools.
Grace's upset bid of No. 18 Cornerstone came up short in the fifth set, and Aquinas handed the Lady Lancers (16-13) a 3-0 loss to wrap up the tournament.
In the first match of the day, Grace had to fight back from an early deficit against Cornerstone. The Golden Eagles (19-6) claimed the first two sets, 25-15 and 25-18.
The Lady Lancers rallied to win the next two games. Cornerstone was on the verge of a sweep, leading 22-17 in the third set. But Grace showed grit with four straight points, sparked by a solo block and a kill from Tori Bontrager.
Gabbey Harrington then provided the winning moments. With the score tied 24-24, Harrington hit two straight kills to win the game 26-24.
Cornerstone led late again in the fourth set 21-19. But Grace rallied again, scoring six straight points to claim the set. Harrington and Savannah Hart each had a kill in the game.
But the Golden Eagles had the last word in the fifth set. Cornerstone ended the match with 11 unanswered points to win 15-4.
Kelsee Zuidema produced 16 kills and five digs, Naarah Foster had a double-double of 11 kills and 14 digs, and Hart had 10 kills and two aces.Â
Harrington recorded a career-high nine kills, Alexa Hill tallied 49 assists, and Sara Miller (22 digs), Gina Novotny (13) and Emily Sharp (12) led Grace's defense.
Aquinas made quick work of a short-handed Lady Lancer squad in the weekend finale. Grace utilized its depth while missing key players in the three-set defeat.
Hart's 10 kills led Grace's attack, and Foster added nine kills and 10 digs. Miller racked up 17 digs, Hill had 30 assists, and Sharp dug nine balls.
Sara Miller was named to the First Team All-Tournament, and Savannah Hart earned Second Team All-Tournament recognition.
The Lady Lancers return home next week, prepping for the final three weeks of Crossroads League play. Grace hosts Marian on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and hosts Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday at 3 p.m.
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