AUG. 27, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College saw its men's soccer team fall to Heartland Community College while the women's volleyball team earned a straight-set victory over former conference foe Delta College in home action Thursday.
Men's Soccer Falls to Heartland, 3-1
The GRCC men's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to Heartland Community College Thursday, falling to 0-1-1 on the season.
Heartland struck first in the 13th minute, scoring on the first shot of the match. The Raiders answered in the 30th minute when Ethan Schwartzfisher found the back of the net off an assist from Raymond Guardado, leveling the match at 1-1.
Heartland regained the lead in the 41st minute and added an insurance goal in the 78th minute to secure the victory.
Heartland held a narrow 8-6 advantage in shots, but the Hawks recorded six shots on goal compared to just one for the Raiders.
Ramon Lujano-Salto, the reigning conference Keeper of the Week, recorded all three saves in the match.
The Raiders will open conference play at home at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, against Muskegon Community College.
Volleyball Sweeps Delta in Home Opener
The GRCC women's volleyball team opened its home schedule in impressive fashion, sweeping former conference foe Delta College, 3-0, by scores of 25-17, 25-21 and 25-21.
The victory improved the Raiders to 2-3 on the season, while Delta fell to 2-4. It also marked GRCC's 12th consecutive victory over the Ducks.
Sophomore outside hitter Kirstyn Lothschultz delivered a career performance, recording a career-high 18 kills while hitting an impressive .536 for the match. Lothschultz powered the Raiders early, recording seven kills in both the first and second sets.
GRCC hit a team-best .345 in the opening set, setting the tone for the straight-set victory.
Vanessa Walker contributed across the stat sheet with seven kills, 10 assists, seven digs and two blocks. Kaylee Kranz added five kills, while Zella Hutchings recorded three kills and a team-high four blocks, including a solo block.
Former Kenowa Hills teammates Ella Thayer and Payton Taylor each led the Raiders with three service aces. GRCC finished with 10 aces as a team. Taylor also paced the offense with a team-high 18 assists.
The Raiders will return home next Wednesday for a challenging matchup against Mott Community College, whose record currently stands at a perfect 9-0.
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