August 21, 2021, ROCKFORD, Ill. - The No. 11-ranked Grand Rapids Community College Raiders volleyball team picked up their first win of the season by sweeping Joliet Junior College in their last match of the McHenry College Invitational on Saturday. 

In their first match of the day, the Raiders took on the No. 1 ranked and defending national champions, Johnson County Community College. After a tough opening set, losing 20-25, the Raiders responded with a five point win in set two to nod the match at a set a piece. In set three, the Raiders led 20-19, but the Cavaliers responded by scoring the last six points to take the set.  Johnson County then took the fourth set 25-20 to win the match.

Sophomore middle, Annie Holesinger (Rockford, MI), led the Raiders offense with 12 kills while hitting just over .400. 

The Raiders concluded tournament play by defeating Joliet Junior College of Joliet, Ill. in straight sets 25-9, 25-14, 25-10.

All 14 Raiders contributed by scoring at least one point in the match, led by sophomore outside hitter, Kara Hecht (Zeeland, MI) who scored seven points on five kills and two aces. She also hit a season best .571 and picked up a season best five digs.

Freshman outsides Morgan Fugate (Wayland, MI) and Audrey Torres (Caledonia, MI) combined for nine kills and just one hitting error, while freshman right-side Karissa Ferry (Chesaning, MI) added five kills and two blocks. 

The Raiders had a season high 12 aces against the Wolves including four from libero Audrey Gower (Dimondale, MI). 

Next weekend the Raiders will travel to Perrysburg, Ohio to participate in the Owens Express Invitational.  They are scheduled to take on two more top ten teams, including No. 2 Parkland College on Aug. 28. 

Live streaming for the matches is available for free through the Raider Nation Volleyball's Facebook site.