ANGOLA, Ind. – The Manchester University volleyball team went 2-0 at the Trine tri-match on Saturday September 25.
The Spartans began the day with a four-set victory over Kalamazoo College, topping the Hornets by set scores of 25-17, 25-16, 23-25, and 25-18.
Manchester got eight kills apiece from Halle Planck (Gas City, Ind./Mississinewa) and Samantha Campbell (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg). Sara Shultz (Churubusco, Ind./East Noble) seven kills.
Following up their impressive performance at the net on Wednesday night against Kalamazoo, Manchester ended Saturday's match with 13 total blocks. Both Halle Planck and Carley Camp (Logansport, Ind./Logansport) were credited with seven block assists. Erika Kramer (Greensburg, Ind./North Decatur) added a pair of solo blocks and four block assists.
Carly Ripberger (Tipton, Ind./Tipton) had 29 assists against Kalamazoo while both Rachael Ressler (Tipton, Ind./Tipton) and Helaina Walters (Marion, Ind./Eastbrook) finished the match with 16 digs.
Manchester ended the day by rallying for a five-set victory over host Trine University.
The Thunder jumped in front after taking the opening two sets by 25-21 and 25-16 counts. Manchester answered the bell by taking the third and fourth sets by 25-18 and 25-23 tallies. The Black & Gold then jumped out to 13-4 advantage in the fifth and final set. After an 8-1 spurt by the Thunder, Manchester was able seal the win, 15-11, following a kill by Joy Maze (Greenwood, Ind./Greenwood Community).
Both Joy Maze and Halle Planck finished with 15 kills against Trine. Maze added 16 digs, four service aces one solo block and one block assist while Planck chipped in 10 digs and four block assists in the winning effort.
Samantha Campbell added 11 kills on the strength of a .407 hitting percentage. Carly Ripberger finished the match with 44 digs while Helaina Walters led the Black & Gold with 23 digs.
Manchester has won four consecutive games and improved to 8-7 on the season. The Black & Gold are also 4-1 in five-set matches.
The Spartans will begin Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play next week with a road showdown at Hanover College on Friday October 1. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
