John Carroll Volleyball is back in action, claiming their first win of the 2023 season.
On Friday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., the Blue Streaks opened their season at the Sweeney Auxiliary Gymnasium in Alliance, OH, competing in the Mount Union Tournament. John Carroll executed a comeback against Brockport, earning an exciting 3-2 win. The Blue and Gold grabbed the upper hand of the match with set scores of 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-14, and 15-8.
The outstanding first-year players on the squad turned the energy on the court into something memorable.
Newcomers Mary Kate Sheehan ‘27, Hailey Williams ‘27, and Natalie Glowe ‘27 all contributed to the win with their determination and commendable talents. Sheehan led the team with 13 kills with Glowe right behind with eight kills and Williams tallying seven.
John Carroll fell behind in the first two sets, but this lit a fire under the rookies to secure the win for the next three sets. Williams and Glowe directed a 16-10 lead for the Streaks in the third set, allowing the Blue Streaks to keep their momentum up. John Carroll rallied another five points to secure the third-set win.
Brockport snagged an early lead in the fourth set, though Jessica Liddle ‘25 and Sheehan came through for the Blue and Gold with two kills each. A remarkable ace from Williams sparked a seven-point run to claim a 14-10 lead, marking yet another comeback for the Blue Streaks.
During the final set, JCU was immediate with their energy and took an 8-4 lead, finishing the set with a 15-8 win.
“The beginning of the game was a little rough but after set two we refocused in on our goals and came together to play volleyball the way JCU knows how to play,” mentioned team captain Lexi MacDonald ‘24.
“It was overall a high-energy game and made us super excited for what’s to come this season,” reflected MacDonald.
Team Captain Maddie Maziarz ‘24 was also unstoppable with 23 assists with transfer Ellie Schenk ‘24. Schenk added to the win with 12 digs.
The John Carroll vs. SUNY Brockport match also marks Head Coach Michele Benoit’s 100th win at John Carroll.
The Blue Streaks continue to look for more victories as the season goes on, with their home opener in the DeCarlo Varsity Center on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. The action continues in the St. John Fisher University/ Nazareth College Tournament on Sept. 8.