1-1 Day Marks Successful Start for No. 10 KCC Volleyball

Rockford, Ill.- The tenth-ranked Kirkwood women's volleyball team began the 2023 campaign on Friday with a one-and-one start at the OWT Tournament in Rockford, Ill. 

The day was highlighted by contributions from a variety of players, a lot of whom are new to the Eagles team.

The Eagles battled fifteenth-ranked Florida Gulf Coast down to the last set losing, 32-30, 22-25, 25-22, 17-25, 13-15. The first set was a back-and-forth affair but outside hitter, Emma Cross finished the first set with a big swing to mark her debut for the Eagles. Makayla Howard and Emma Cross led the way on the outside for Kirkwood and the match was also marked by an impressive performance from freshman setter, Sydney Matthias. 

Kirkwood then took on sixth-ranked Grand Rapids in the afternoon. The Eagles had a hold on the match from the beginning, sweeping the Raiders 25-18, 25-20, 25-22. Freshman libero, Lily Van Severen, led the team in digs while freshman right-side, Emma Meester, was a bright spot in the Eagles offense. 

The Eagles will play tomorrow to finish the OWT Tournament at 11am and 3pm. They will play Muskegon and Mott, respectively.