Bulldog Volleyball Competes at CLU Fall Classic, Nabs Victory over No. 24 Millikin University

Bulldog Volleyball Competes at CLU Fall Classic, Nabs Victory over No. 24 Millikin University
Posted: Oct 18, 2010

The University of Redlands volleyball team competed in the Cal Lutheran Fall Classic on Friday and Saturday, garnering a 2-2 record against Division III opponents from around the country.

On Friday, the Bulldogs suffered a tough five-set loss to the Slugs of UC Santa Cruz, falling 25-12, 21-25, 17-25, 25-21, 11-15. The Maroon and Gray gained 20 kills from senior outside hitter Jackie Hamilton (Loma Linda, CA) to complement her 19 digs. Senior middle blocker Megan Phillips (Vista, CA) added 10 kills and seven total blocks, while senior libero Chelsea Arcaris (Vista, CA) came up with 39 digs. Freshman setter Alisha Cornick (Hollister, CA) distributed 36 assists for the Bulldogs.

Later that night, Redlands battled it out with Randolph-Macon College (VA) but came up short against the Yellow Jackets, losing in straight sets, 21-25, 24-26, 20-25. Phillips proved to be the steadying force for the Bulldogs as she mustered a team-leading 10 kills at a clip of .333. Arcaris came away with 15 digs as Hamilton provided 12. Cornick dished out 32 assists for Redlands.

Saturday's matches resulted in two victories for the Bulldogs, as they prevailed over No. 24 Millikin University (IL) in five sets before taking down Hendrix College (AR) in a 3-0 sweep.

Against nationally-ranked Millikin, Redlands fought back to win it, 17-25, 27-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13. This time, freshman outside hitter Morgan Buckner (San Rafael, CA) led the offensive charge with 17 kills. She also tallied 11 digs and three service aces. Phillips stepped up with 14 kills and four solo blocks, while Hamilton offered another double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs. Cornick continued to distribute the ball with 44 assists.

In the night cap, the Bulldogs garnered a solid 25-21, 25-19, 25-11 victory over the Hendrix Warriors, resulting in a 2-2 showing for the weekend. Phillips erupted for a team-high 15 kills for a .429 hitting percentage. Arcaris patrolled the back row with her 25 digs, while Cornick distributed 37 assists.

Redlands (15-8, 3-5 SCIAC) returns to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Tuesday with an important showdown against the Leopards of the University of La Verne at 7:30 p.m. in Currier Gym. Currently both teams are just shy of making the SCIAC Postseason Tournament, which features the top four teams. The Bulldogs sit in fifth place, while La Verne holds down the sixth-place spot.