Grand Rapids, Mich. – Madonna volleyball faced a tough test Wednesday evening, falling to Cornerstone University 3-0 (25-10, 25-20, 25-20) at Mol Arena.
The Crusaders battled throughout the match but were unable to overcome a strong Cornerstone attack. The Golden Eagles opened the night by taking the first set 25-10 before Madonna responded with a more competitive effort in the final two sets.
Cornerstone controlled the opening set from the start, using a strong offensive performance to build an early advantage. Madonna struggled to find its rhythm offensively, finishing the set with six kills and eight errors on 35 total attacks.
The Crusaders showed improvement in the second set, turning in their strongest offensive performance of the night. Madonna recorded 13 kills with just four errors on 35 attacks, finishing the frame with a .257 hitting percentage.
Despite the improved offensive efficiency, Cornerstone managed to hold off the Crusaders and take the set 25-20.
Madonna carried that momentum into the third set, again keeping the Golden Eagles within reach throughout the frame. The Crusaders recorded eight kills in the set and continued to compete until Cornerstone ultimately closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.
Vivian Campbell led Madonna offensively with seven kills while adding four digs and four total blocks.
Sydney Stonerock contributed five kills and a team-high 11 digs, while
Alyviah Wright and
Gwen Clifford each recorded four kills.
The Crusaders also received strong contributions from their setters.
Rylie Glass finished with 10 assists and eight digs, while
Addison Boven added nine assists, three digs, and a service ace.
Lexa Forti recorded a team-high 14 digs to anchor Madonna's defensive effort.
Madonna finished the match with 27 kills, 25 assists, four service aces, nine total blocks, and 56 digs. The Crusaders' best offensive stretch came in the second set, where they hit .257 and recorded 13 kills.
Cornerstone was led by Aubrey Johnson, who recorded a match-high 13 kills while hitting .324. The Golden Eagles finished the match with 38 kills and a .216 team hitting percentage.
With the result, Madonna moves to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in WHAC play. The Crusaders will look to bounce back as they travel to Rio Grande University to take part in the Emileigh Jo Cooper Memorial Classic. Madonna will face four out of conference teams which include Georgetown College (Ky.), the host school Rio Grande, Tennessee Wesleyan University, and West Virgina University Institute of Technology.
