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The Hope College volleyball team poses with the MIAA Tournament trophy.
Lynne Powe
0
Calvin Calvin 22-7,6-2 Michigan Intercol. Ath. Assn.
3
Winner Hope Hope 27-2,8-0 Michigan Intercol. Ath. Assn.
Calvin Calvin
22-7,6-2 Michigan Intercol. Ath. Assn.
0
Final
3
Hope Hope
27-2,8-0 Michigan Intercol. Ath. Assn.
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 F
Calvin Calvin 19 24 23 (0)
Hope Hope 25 26 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | | Alan Babbitt

Volleyball Sweeps Calvin for MIAA Tournament Title

An Alison DeWeerd service ace put the finishing touch on a three-set masterpiece for the third-ranked Hope College volleyball team.

With DeWeerd delivering the final point, the Flying Dutch defeated No. 11 Calvin University, 25-19, 26-24, 25-23, on Saturday to complete a perfect run through the MIAA season in the MIAA Tournament title match on Saturday. 

Hope (27-2 overall) went 10-0 in league play this season, winning eight regular-season matches and two in the postseason. The top-seeded Flying Dutch earned their fifth MIAA Tournament title and 15th regular-season championship.

Next up for Hope is the NCAA Division III Championships. The field is announced on ncaa.com on Monday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m.

"At this point of the season, the thing we're trying to do is win. We're trying to find ways to come out on top," head coach Becky Schmidt said. "I was really impressed with the gritty resolve we had to be able to find ways when our backs were to the wall a little bit, or were getting shelled with some serves. Credit to Calvin for that. The pass-serve game was the name of the game tonight as it often is in this rivalry."

Hope battled together to record the final two points in the first and second sets against the third-seeded Knights (22-7) and the final three points in the third set.

In front of a DeVos Fieldhouse crowd of 1,406, the Flying Dutch overcame an 8-3 deficit in the third set to complete their second sweep of Calvin in an MIAA Tournament championship and the first since 2010.

Relishing the opportunity to compete together helped keep the immense pressure of the moment at bay, DeWeerd said.

"There was just so much excitement and joy. We were so competitive on that court, after every point, we were able to look at each other and smile and laugh and cheer in each other's faces. That is what matters the most," DeWeerd said. "Coming down to those last few serves, I just wanted to do it for my team."

DeWeerd (Kentwood, Michigan / South Christian) served what would be Hope's final points of the match. The junior middle blocker and All-MIAA First Team honoree started the decisive run. 

First, junior outside hitter and MIAA MVP Addie VanderWeide (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) delivered the final of her match-high 14 kills. Then, after a Calvin attack error gave Hope match point, DeWeerd's ace sent her and her teammates to a third victory against Calvin this season. Hope last accomplished that feat in 2010.

In addition to VanderWeide, freshman middle blocker and All-MIAA Second Team selection Kamryn Burbridge (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) contributed eight kills and three blocks. 

DeWeerd and sophomore Brooke Fox (Saunemin, Illinois / Pontiac Township) chipped in seven kills apiece.

Hope outhit Calvin, .193 to .105.

Sophomore setter and All-MIAA First Team honoree Lauren Lee (Plymouth, Michigan / Saline ) orchestrated the Flying Dutch attack with 37 assists.

Calvin was led by Gabriella Kellogg's 11 kills.
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