Grand Rapids, MI—The Raiders got off to a quick start against the top seeded Sinclair Community College on Saturday morning, and powered past the Tartans in 5 sets with scores of 25-18, 25-20, 20-25, 13-25 and 15-10. GRCC will now advance to the next round of tournament play to take on Vincennes University.

After coming out of the gates strong, earning victories in the first pair of sets in impressive fashion, Sinclair showed why they earned the number 1 seed in District F. The team, who boasts one of the top offensive threats in the nation, delivered kill after kill against the Raiders, beating them 20-25 in the third set. The Tartans momentum carried over into the fourth as they breezed by GRCC with a 13 point margin.

The Raiders, however, emerged a different team in the deciding set.

Chip Will delivered what must have been exactly the right words. His grabbed the early lead, going up 8-5 before switching sides. GRCC held the lead, played some fundamental volleyball and advances to the next round because of it.

Meanwhile, Vincennes University and Muskegon Community College duked it out just one court down.

Although Muskegon CC managed to take VU to four sets, they couldn't overcome some costly errors early in the match. The heavily favored Muskegon team fell, and now enters the losers' bracket.

The outcome carries some potentially huge impacts on how GRCC performs for the rest of the tournament.

GRCC and Muskegon have developed an intense local rivalry over the course of Chip Will's tenure as Head Coach. The teams have split their series this season, each having won their home court match. If Muskegon is able to battle out of the losers bracket, and GRCC is able to advance to the finals, it would seem that GRCC has the advantage, that being the home court and the extremely lively RaiderNation crew.

Though GRCC has yet to square off against Vincennes U this season, Coach Will and company are confident and motivated. Will claims that the 2013-2014 squad he's suited up has a talent that rivals last year's national champions.

Vincennes has posted a stellar 27-14 record during the course of the season, and are playing at the top of their game. Their upset of Muskegon no doubt has the Trailblazers riding high, and they'll surely come out strong against the Raiders.

With the goal of another trip to the National Tournament in mind, the Raiders have their hands full. The ladies take to the court next today at 2:00 PM. Currently playing out of the losers bracket, the Raiders are in strong position to earn their shot at the District F crown.