Jackson, MI – GRCC’s #3 nationally ranked volleyball team improved to 16-1 following a 3-0 win over Jackson Community College’s Jets.  The win extends the Raiders undefeated conference streak to 4-0 and their overall win streak to seven.

GRCC took the first set by storm winning 25-12, but Jackson nearly edged out the Raiders in the second as the Jets put up 23 to the Raiders 25.  The last set went the way of the first as GRCC finished Jackson off 25-10 while hitting .500 with only one error.

Several Raiders posted some impressive numbers.  Hannah Geelhoed had 8 kills and 4 blocks.  Molly Maynard had 7 blocks and 7 kills.  Nicole Czehowski had 7 kills and three blocks, and Karleigh Strazisar had 10 digs.

GRCC has little time to relish that win as they must prepare for their toughest conference match of the season tonight as they visit Muskegon Community College’s Jayhawks tonight.

Muskegon, while only sporting a 10-8 overall record, is undefeated in the MCCAA.  Additionally, Muskegon‘s squad has delivered GRCC’s first conference loss in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

While GRCC holds a 4-2 record over the Jayhawks over the course of those seasons, this Jayhawk team is not one to be taken lightly.  Four of Muskegon’s losses and two wins came from then nationally ranked opponents.

While a win for either team would place them at the top the MCCAA West’s standings as the sole team without a loss. However, Muskegon has much more at stake as they hope to break in to the NJCAA DII’s Top 20 for the first time in 2012.  A win over Grand Rapids would get them back on the map, and they know it.

The Raiders, not likely to improve upon their #3 rank with a win tonight, have a considerable amount to lose should they drop tonight’s match to this scrappy Muskegon team.   Expect a hard fought battle from both sides of the court.

Tonight’s action kicks off in Muskegon at 5:00 PM.