The 23rd-ranked Hope College volleyball team defended its home court at DeVos Fieldhouse on Friday night, rallying from an early deficit to secure a 3–1 victory over Wittenberg University (17–25, 25–20, 25–23, 25–17).
The Flying Dutch improved to 2–2 overall on the season with the home win on Orange and Blue Weekend.
Wittenberg jumped out to a fast start in the opening frame, building a 13–4 lead. Hope answered back with a dramatic 9–1 run to level the set at 13–13, fueled by four service aces from sophomore Jillian Collins (Northville, Michigan / Mercy HS) and capped by a kill from sophomore Kiera Morrison (Bartlett, Illinois / Wheaton Academy).
Though Wittenberg regrouped to capture the set 25–17, the early response served as a key moment in establishing Hope's offensive rhythm for the remainder of the night. The Orange and Blue took charge in the second set, claiming a 25–20 victory behind efficient attacking from senior Kamryn Burbridge (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) and junior Angie Butler (Novi, Michigan / Butler).
The third frame featured tight back-and-forth action before Hope broke away late. Leading 17–13, the Flying Dutch executed a decisive late point run. Back-to-back service aces from sophomore Amelia Gagnon (Belmont, Michigan / Grand Rapids West Catholic) highlighted the surge, helping stretch the lead to 20–13. Hope held off a late push by Wittenberg as Butler put down the final ball to seal the 25–23 win.
The Flying Dutch carried that momentum into a dominant fourth set, hitting .355 as a team to close out the match 25–17.
Burbridge posted a match-high 18 kills while hitting .593 on the night. Butler joined her in double figures with 11 kills, while Morrison added nine kills and three aces.
Setter sophomore Brooke Hehl (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Lutheran Northwest) orchestrated the offense with 32 assists.
Defensively, Gagnon anchored the back row with a team-leading 18 digs, while senior Kathryn Oates (Liberty Township, Ohio / Cincinnati Christian) chipped in 11 digs and five assists. Collins finished with four of Hope's 16 total service aces.
Hope returns to the court at DeVos Fieldhouse to continue Orange and Blue Weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a matchup against Denison University at 10:30 a.m. and Ohio Wesleyan University at 2:30 p.m. Earlier on Friday, Denison lost to Albion College in four sets and Ohio Wesleyan lost to Calvin University in three sets.
