GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Cornerstone University defeated Lawrence Tech in a 5-set thriller (15-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-14, 15-5) at Mol Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lawrence Tech opened strong, dominating Set 1 (25–15) and surviving a high-tension Set 2 (27–25) to take a commanding 2–0 match lead. However, Cornerstone shifted momentum in Set 3 with a narrow 25–22 win, then stormed through Set 4 (25–14) and dominated the tiebreaker Set 5 (15–5) to complete the reverse sweep. Cornerstone hit
.218 as a team with 58 kills compared to Lawrence Tech's
.176 hitting percentage with 54 kills, while also holding a
12 to 8 advantage in service aces that helped fuel their final three-set run.
For the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils, Maria Trevino Nunez led the attack with 25 kills, 10 digs, and 2 blocks, while Chloe Winchell added 16 kills, 16 digs, and 5 service aces. Setter Dru Temple distributed 40 assists to go with 9 digs, Emily Hagelthorn anchored the defense with 19 digs, and Kyndal James provided efficiency at the net with 8 kills on a .500 hitting percentage. The Cornerstone Golden Eagles counterbalanced with balanced scoring and standout individual performances, as Aubrey Johnson posted 16 kills and 11 digs, Gwyn VerBerkmoes tallied 14 kills, 6 digs, and 2 aces, and Gabby VerBerkmoes added 13 kills and 4 blocks. Josilyn Potter chipped in 9 kills, 3 service aces, and 3 blocks, while Payton Hutchinson ran the offense with 46 assists and Gianna Warwick anchored the back row with a match-high 33 digs and 3 service aces.
LTU will look ahead at their next match up as they will travel to Rochester to take on the Warriors of Rochester Christian University next Saturday.
