Cornell season intensifies in race for the top

By Ginna Young

There were some learning curves for the Cornell volleyball program, as the Chiefs faced multiple challenges over the week.

Sept. 15 vs. Owen-Withee non-conference (W 2-0)

In a triangular, Cornell traveled the distance to Auburndale, where they faced off with Owen-Withee for a strong 2-0 win (25-19 and 25-10).

Sept. 15 vs. Auburndale non-conference (L 3-2)

Up next, was host team Auburndale, where the Chiefs won the first set, 25-23, but dropped the next two sets, 25-15. Cornell picked up the win in the fourth set, but couldn’t pull off the fifth set, in a 15-5 loss.

“The big difference in Match 2 vs. Match 1 is that our hits just weren’t connecting, and Auburndale was really on, making it challenging to get our momentum going,” said coach Amy Lorenzen. “Overall, it was a great night of competition, and we had a lot of success and learned.”

Leading for the Chiefs, was sophomore Bralee Schroeder, with 9 kills, 5 aces and 10 digs. Junior Makya Hetherington came up with 17 assists, 3 aces and 12 digs, while junior Brooke Sime had 4 aces and 14 digs, and added 4 kills.

Sophomore Briana Glaus and senior Michayla Turchen each had 5 kills, and junior Brooke Anderson came up with 7 kills and 6 aces.

Sept. 19 vs. Winter conference (W 3-0)

Finishing out the schedule for the week, Winter came to call, in an East Lakeland Conference match-up. The sets were close – 25-20, 25-21 and 26-24 – but Cornell pulled off the win.

Glaus ended 9 kills on the night, with Hetherington recording 14 assists, 6 kills and 14 digs. Schroeder added 13 assists, 3 kills and 6 aces, while Sime had 5 kills and 5 aces.

Anderson chipped in with 5 kills, 5 aces and 11 digs, while junior Marcella Boehm came up with 5 kills and junior Teryn Close notched 10 digs.

Cornell’s record improves to 9-2 overall and 6-0 in the conference.