October 2, 2016 - - Lorain County Community College Volleyball team competed at the Grand Rapids Tournament this past weekend and was able to split their four games against all Division II teams. LCCC fell to Waubonsee (16-8), and Kalamazoo Valley (11-7) while defeating Alpena (0-10) and Mott (8-8).
In the first match LCCC went against Waubonsee, who recently received votes in the DII rankings, and was able to take them to four sets. After dropping set one by a score of 25-22, LCCC was able to steal set two 26-24. With both sets going down to the wire, LCCC saw big plays from Maryssa Kellick (14 kills, 4 blocking assist), Kara Keim (12 kills), and Kelli Warren (11 kills, 3 blocking assist). Between the three, they contributed 37 of the teams 43 kills and 7 out of 12 blocking assist. Tied 1-1, LCCC struggled in set 3 as they fell 25-15 but the team was able to pick up the pace in the 4th set. Continuing their strong play, the Lady Commodores were lead late by McKenzie Zauner (25 digs), Peyton Kellick (17 digs), and Ali Stanziano (17 digs) as they tried to take the match to a final 5th set. Unable to slow down Waubonsee in the 4th set, LCCC fell 25-19. Coach Whitsel afterwards wasn't totally satisfied with his team's efforts. "We didn't play well early, we came out sluggish and it didn't fair too well for us."
Much didn't change in the second match for LCCC as they struggled to keep up with Kalamazoo Valley; the Lady Commodores would fall 3-0 but would take each set to the final points. After losing 25-22 in set 1 and set 2, LCCC would fall 25-21.
Although LCCC had 4 more kills than Kalamazoo, 1 more ace and tied in total blocks, LCCC just couldn't find a way to capitalize on the other team's mistakes while limiting their own. The strong play of Maryssa Kellick (11 kills) and McKenzie Zauner (18 digs) kept the Lady Commodores in each set. LCCC would eventually fall in 3 and see go down 0-2 early in the weekend.
Sunday was a different story for LCCC as they came out more focused and ready to play. Against Alpena, the Lady Commodores swept them 3-0, winning 25-10, 25-21 and 25-18. "We came out much stronger on Sunday unlike Saturday where we were just slow and sluggish. Today we just played better; we looked much better" said Coach Whitsel after the tournament. Kellick had 14 kills and 4 blocking assist, Warren 9 kills and 2 blocking assist, and Shannon Reaser had 33 assist as LCCC dominated their opponent in their third match of the weekend.
In their final game, the Lady Commodores once again out played their opponent Mott Community College 25-22, 25-16, 27-29 and 25-20. For the 4th straight match it was Maryssa Kellick who led her team with 21 kills, 3 digs, 3 blocking solos and 1 blocking assist. Behind Kellicks strong play was Kelli Warren who had 17 kills and Kara Keim's 16. Giving Coach Whitsel big minutes was McKenzie Zauner and Ali Stanziano who combined for half of the teams digs (40 out of 80) while Shannon Reaser had 56 total assists.
After splitting the weekend, the Lady Commodores are now 13-9 overall and 2-4 in the OCCAC. LCCC will take their show on the road as they take on Lakeland CC on Wednesday, Sinclair on Friday and Edison on Saturday.
Box Score vs Waubonsee
Box Score vs Kalamazoo Valley
Box Score vs Alpena
Box Score vs Mott
