Normal, Ill. - It wasn't for a lack of drama, but the 10th-ranked ICC Volleyball program (23-10) went into the Fitness and Recreation Center and fended off the #6 Heartland Hawks (23-6) in five sets. Two extremely close sets, but set wins, put the Cougars ahead 2-0. Then it was the hosts' time to shine. Heartland kept ICC from getting to 20 points in both the third and fourth sets, before ICC edged the Hawks in the fifth. It was a critical win within the region standings, as ICC is on the hunt for a potential hosting of their half of the District Tournament in November.
#10 ICC COUGARS 3, #6 Heartland 2 (25-20, 25-23, 19-25, 14-25, 15-11)
Kills |
Gracie Schultz (14),
Hope Allen (11)
Digs |
Emily Cronkhite (28),
Raquel Frakes (22),
Hope Allen (16),
McKinley Daniels (12)
Assists |
McKinley Daniels (28),
Hope Allen (14)
Aces |
Emily Cronkhite (3),
Raquel Frakes (2)
Blocks |
Hannah Tellor (4),
Gracie Schultz (4),
Sophie Adams (3),
Emily Allison (2)
SHE SAID IT; POST-MATCH THOUGHTS FROM COACH TRACY HEFFREN
On persevering after going from up 2-0 to tied 2-2
"When we came out in the first set and were down early, we came back and composed ourselves. Towards the end, we starting seeing our true selves."
On the effort of the Cougars' front row, particularly defensively
"Our hitters were able to find the open court. Our blocking, we did a decent job. I said to a couple of our hitters - we need you on."
On putting the foot down in the fifth set
"After we lost that fourth set, we were rattled. Give them a lot of credit. With it being a 15-point set, we had to be aggressive. We did a great job."
On fighting through a five-set match with a hostile road crowd
"I told the girls - it will be loud. It will be crowded. The stands were full. They didn't disappoint. I feel that we did a great job not letting it affect us and we were able to stay focused."
On where to go mentally after a match like this
"We're not done. We're not satisfied. We're just taking one match at a time and being focused on the teams we're playing right now."
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS?
Rock Valley College Tri-Match
@ Physical Education Center - Rockford, Ill.
Friday, October 14th
vs. D3 Harper & at (RV) Rock Valley
3PM & 5PM First Serves
*Live Coverage Info TBA*
