By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Receiving the highest NAIA Women’s Volleyball Coaches poll ranking in program history, there is no doubt the Aquinas Women’s Volleyball team is off to an impressive start. Winning 14 out of 15 games played this season, the Saints have shown great determination, grit and perseverance putting up a fight against competitors such as Marian, Saint Xavier, Goshen and Spring Arbor, as well as fought hard against first ranked Indiana Wesleyan, losing in the fifth set 12 to 15.
In addition to a successful start for the entire team, several athletes have set their own various career highs and received different accolades, with Mallory Keller being named the NAIA national attacker of the week (Aug. 26), and with Lydia Harper being named the WHAC setter of the week (Aug. 2) and Keller being named the WHAC attacker of the week two weeks in a row. Several Saints set their career highs already this season, with Jeralyn Hoppes, Angelia Cutts, Lauren Chioni, Mallory Kelller and Bella Hommes all setting their own highs and leaving their mark on the program. With all of these accomplishments in only the first three weeks of their season, this team is one to watch.
The stage is set for a successful season for the Aquinas women’s volleyball team. The Saints will take on University of Northwestern Ohio, Indiana Tech, Lourdes, Defiance, and Kuyper in the upcoming weeks hosting games on homecoming and hosting a campus favorite, 90’s night on September 25th against a cross-town rival, Cornerstone University. With already receiving national votes and recognition, the women’s volleyball team have proven to be a force to be reckoned with during the early weeks of their season. The energy and passion in this team proves there is no doubt that this team will do great things, set new records and set the scene for a record-breaking season for the Saints.
Photo 1: Number eleven Bella Hommes sets new personal record of 1000 digs.
Photo 2: Number Twenty-Seven Lydia Harper
Photo 3: Mallory Keller – two-time WHAC attacker of the week and NAIA national attacker of the week
Photo 4: AQ women’s volleyball team gets hyped up for a set against Cumberland University
All photos taken by Grace Malec
The Saint 