Gary, IN - For the final regulation season match, Grace volleyball traveled to Indiana to take on the RedHawks of IU Northwest.
 
Game action started strong on both sides of the net as points were traded back and forth in the first two sets. While GBC's game-play was competitive throughout, the Tigers couldn't quite clinch the victory in either set. Grace started 0-2 with scores of 22-25 and 22-25.
 
The Tigers refocused their momentum and stunned the RedHawks in the third set. Grace secured a large lead right out of the gate and didn't look back. With a lead as large as 18 points down the final stretch, the Tigers concluded set three with a solid victory, outscoring IU 25-10. 

The fourth set continued in the same intense fashion as the preceding three, but in the end the fourth set was in favor of RedHawks as they outscored the Tigers 17-25, concluding the match with an overall GBC loss 1-3.

"We didn't just show up to play - we showed up and contended for the win against tough competition" Coach Becky Karsten said. "We played well all night and that third set in particular speaks to our tenacity when our backs were against the wall with a 0-2 start. We are proud of how we kept clawing together; we fought hard and surprised some folks along the way."

Notable contributions again IUNW: 12 Total Team blocks, Adrianna Bunce led with 10 kills; Ashley Bearden and Kylee Maat each had 6 kills; Amy Leszinske added 4. Bunce claimed 15 digs and Emma Summerfield added 11; Leszinske and Meagan Pifer earned 8 digs each.

Meagan Pifer was awarded the game ball for successfully stepping into a new role as Right Side. She positively contributed in various stat lines including her .500% attack parentage. Pifer had a multitude of defensive touches in both blocks and digs and earned two aces (of the teams 6 total) amid multiple aggressive serving streaks. 

"As we close the door on this year's regular season, we find renewed energy as we enter Regional play," Coach Karsten continued. "We have made some significant strides in the past few weeks and we are encouraged at the versatility and grit this group shares. Regionals here we come!"

Tigers finish the regular season with a record of 14-12 and will travel to West Virginia for the NCCAA Mideast Regionals next Wednesday. Regional game action will begin on Thursday night and Friday. Let's Go Tigers!