Oct. 4, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The 15th-ranked Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team continued its dominant stretch Friday, sweeping both of its opponents on Day 1 of the annual Raider Challenge at the Ford Fieldhouse. The Raiders improved to 11-2 overall, extended their winning streak to nine matches, and have now captured 16 consecutive sets after earning their fifth straight sweep.

Match 1 – GRCC def. Waubonsee (IL) CC 25-15, 25-18, 25-19

The Raiders opened the day with a well-balanced performance against Waubonsee, controlling the match from start to finish.

Leaders:

• Kills: Taylor Kik (10), Vanessa Walker (7), Kirstyn Lothschultz (6), Kaylee Kranz (5)
• Assists: Ava Tarsi (11), Walker (10), Payton Taylor (8)
• Aces: Tarsi (3), Walker (3), Kik (2)
• Digs: Cece Huizingh (11, season high), Walker (8), Lothschultz (5, season high)
• Blocks: Lothschultz (5, season high), Christina Williams (4)

Match 2 – GRCC def. Lakeland (OH) CC 25-10, 25-15, 25-10

GRCC closed out Day 1 with its most efficient offensive effort of the season. The Raiders recorded a season-high 51 kills in a three-set match, hit a season-best .424, and matched a season low with just one reception error. Every player contributed, with Jersey VanderWall and Olivia Inthout each notching their first kills of the year, and Payton Taylor tallying her first career block.

Leaders:

• Kills: Allie McGlothlen (13, .526), Kik (11, season best .533), Walker (7, career best .875), Kranz (6, .455)
• Assists: Tarsi (16), Walker (15), Taylor (11)
• Aces: Mullet (4, tied career high)
• Digs: Huizingh (10), Tarsi (6), McGlothlen (6, career high)
• Blocks: Zella Hutchings (2, career high)

Head Coach Chip Will praised the team's balance and consistency across both matches. "We're really starting to find our rhythm and trust each other on both sides of the ball," Will said. "It's fun to see so many different players contribute in meaningful ways. The energy and execution today showed the depth of this group — and we'll need every bit of that tomorrow."

The Raiders return to the court Saturday for two more matches to close out the Raider Challenge. GRCC opens the day at 2 p.m. against Southwestern Michigan College, the current first-place team in their conference, and then faces Oakland Community College at 4 p.m.

For all the latest news, you can also follow the Raiders on:

  
Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.