OCT. 6, 2026, DOWAGIAC, Mich. – The No. 16 Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team delivered when it mattered most Tuesday night, defeating Southwestern Michigan College in a thrilling five-set battle of conference unbeatens to remain alone atop the conference standings.
The Raiders (12-5, 7-0) outlasted the Road Runners (15-9, 6-1) by scores of 25-16, 21-25, 25-19, 25-27 and 15-11, handing Southwestern Michigan College its first conference loss of the season.
GRCC took control early, winning the first and third sets, but the Road Runners fought back to force a decisive fifth set. The Raiders responded with a strong finish, securing the 15-11 victory and preserving their perfect conference record.
Three Raiders recorded career highs in kills in the win. Kirstyn Lothschultz led all players with a career-high 20 kills while adding nine digs and three blocks. Vanessa Walker posted a career-best 18 kills to go along with 22 assists, eight digs and four blocks. Kaylee Kranz also reached a career high with 16 kills.
Avery Powers recorded a career-high nine blocks, helping the Raiders finish the match without committing a single blocking error.
Breslin Zache turned in a career performance of her own, recording a match-high and career-high 25 assists while also posting a career-high nine digs.
The Raiders were exceptionally efficient in serve receive, committing just three reception errors throughout the five-set match. GRCC also finished with zero blocking errors, a key factor in its ability to withstand Southwestern Michigan's push late in the match.
Olivia Inthout led the Raiders defensively with 20 digs, while Garnet Mullet provided a spark from the service line, recording six of GRCC's 10 aces. Mullet also contributed 11 digs.
The victory keeps GRCC in sole possession of first place in the conference at 7-0 and gives the Raiders a crucial win over the only other remaining undefeated team entering the matchup.
GRCC will begin the second round of conference play on Oct. 8, when the Raiders return home to face Glen Oaks Community College. GRCC defeated the Vikings 3-0 in their first meeting of the season.
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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.
