Grand Rapids, Mich -- At 3-0 in conference play and 13-3 overall in 2013, GRCC's Raiders travel tonight to face the 6-8 Jets of Jackson Community College after a big 3-1 win over now #3 Muskegon Community College.
The Raiders fell to #11 in the NJCAA DII poll, but hope to see that ranking rise next week when that win is reflected in the weekly poll as they have now defeated both the second and third ranked teams. Oakland, Iowa Central and Scottsdale, who each dealt GRCC losses this season, are ranked ahead of GRCC in this week's poll.
While the drop from the national rankings was a sting for the defending national champion Raiders, they understand that the journey back to first place happens one game at a time.
Tonight, the Raiders face a Jets team with some real firepower.
Jackson is led offensively by freshman outside hitter Macyee Brigham who has recorded a team high 117 kills. Trailing Brigham is sophomore outside Paige Ward with 99 kills of her own.
Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Martines leads the Jets in blocks with 26 while adding 71 kills to the Jets' rap sheet.
Tonight the Raiders will likely rely heavily on returning sophomore outside hitter Emily Johnson who leads her team in kills with 151 on the year while adding 15 aces and 171 digs.
Freshman middle Abbie Gortsema trails Johnson in kills with 126 while adding 45 blocks--10 being solos. Freshman middle Shelby Ruffner leads GRCC in total blocks this season with 47 and rests in third in kills with 89.
Significant contributions have also came from sophomore outside Tayler Friend s heavy hand as she's deliverd 85 kills. Micaela Deshetsky rounds off the top five in kills with 47.
Freshman setter Taylor Gates has stepped into Kaitlyn Wolters shoes to keep the Raider's offensive intensity high as she's delivered 419 assists while adding 39 kills and 52 digs.
Freshman defensive specialist Amanda Glaza leads the Raiders in digs with 122. Glaza has recorded 15 aces to match Johnson's 15, but freshman Audrey Wyse now leads the Raiders in aces with 19.
Freshman defensive specialist Katlyn Agren s defensively play has also shined in 2013 as she has received 237 serves while accounting for 150 of the Raiders' 983 digs. Agren's 15 aces leave her tied for second along with Glaza and Johnson.
Tonight's contest begins at 6:30PM at Jackson Community College.
Follow GRCCAthletics on Twitter for updates from tonight's match.
