Cornell sweeps Bruce, downed at invitational

By Ross Pattermann

The Cornell Chiefs Volleyball made it a clean sweep in 2019, as they won their home match with the Bruce Red Raiders Oct. 8. The Chiefs took the first meeting, a meeting in Bruce in straight sets, and history would repeat itself, as the Chiefs won in three sets.

The Chiefs blitzed Bruce in the first set, 25-11, but Bruce came alive in the second set, which could have gone either way. Cornell held on and prevailed 25-23, to take a two-sets advantage.

Even with the momentum and lead on their side, the Chiefs were still in a dogfight in the third, but successfully topped the Red Raiders, 25-2,1 in the third, to stay firmly in second place in the Eastern Lakeland Conference, as they improved to 8-2 in league play.

Oct. 12, vs Gilman Invitational (L 1-3)

The Chiefs were back in action over the weekend, taking part in an invitational tournament at Gilman.

First up, Cornell faced off against Laona-Wabeno, falling in two sets, 25-16, 25-9. The Chiefs put on their war face against Alma-Lincoln Center, claiming victory in the first set, 25-23, before falling 25-18 in the second. That forced a third set, in which Cornell earned a 15-10 win.

After that, the Chiefs battled host team Gilman, with the Pirates looting the matches, 16-25, 12-25. The final matchup of the day came against Plum City-Elmwood, where the Chiefs came close, but not close enough, to knocking off their opponents, ending with 26-24 and 25-20 losses.

Leaders for the day included Alyssa Helland with 36 digs, Bryanna Bonander with 7 aces and 26 assists, and Erin Crowell with 17 kills.

“Michyala Turchen had a break-out day, with six kills,” said coach Amy Lorenzen.

Michaiah Galster, Cornell junior, sets up the ball for a teammate Sept. 26, against Lake Holcombe. Cornell celebrated their senior night with a 3-1 win over the conference foe.

Photo by Ginna Young