The Hope College volleyball team turned in a commanding performance on Friday night, putting together a straight-set victory over Kalamazoo College (25-17, 25-17, 25-19) inside the Anderson Athletic Center in Kalamazoo.
The Flying Dutch finished with a strong .239 hitting percentage while stifling the Hornets' attack, holding Kalamazoo to a minuscule .009 hit percentage and forcing 23 attack errors. Hope never trailed at any point during the three sets, quickly establishing rhythm through long point runs and seamless setter distribution.
With the sweep, Hope improves to 16-8 overall and advances to 5-1 in MIAA play, remaining tied for second place with Albion College with the two regular-season matches remaining. The Flying Dutch will return home for their next match on Wednesday, November 4, when they host Albion at DeVos Fieldhouse. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
At Kalamzoo, junior outside hitter junior Angie Butler (Novi, Michigan / Mercy) powered Hope by registering a match-high 11 kills across 32 attempts.
Middle hitter senior Kamryn Burbridge (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) delivered an efficient all-around performance, hammering home nine kills with a standout .375 hitting efficiency while also controlling the net with 4 total blocks.
Sophomore Kiera Morrison (Bartlett, Illinois / Wheaton Academy) provided additional front-row muscle with six kills on a .385 clip.
Sophomore setter Brooke Hehl (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Lutheran Northwest) orchestrated the offense, directing play with a match-high 29 assists while contributing four digs, three blocks, and a service ace.
On the defensive end, senior Kathryn Oates (Liberty Township, Ohio / Cincinnati Christian) anchored the floor, picking up a game-high 20 digs to keep rallies alive and recording two service aces.
