The Marian University Ancilla Women's Volleyball team is off to their best start in six seasons, and last week provided a real test of their depth and abilities as they took on six opponents between last Tuesday and this past Sunday. By the end of it, the Chargers are now 5-4 overall, but they also faced their stiffest competition prior to entering conference play. The Edison State match was reviewed in a prior article, but below is a quick look at the other five matches they played this past week.
9/4 @ Wilbur Wright - MUAC traveled to Wilbur Wright College in downtown Chicago Thursday night to face the Rams, and despite dealing with some unfortunate bumper-to-bumper traffic along the way, the Chargers exited with a 3-0 victory over the Rams. Marian Ancilla won the first set 25-20 and were a little sluggish having quickly gotten from the vans to the court to play. However, they responded with more energy in the second set, winning 25-11, while aggressively attacking host Wilbur Wright. The third set began very much the same way, but with the score in the Chargers' favor, they were able to play 15 ladies and see a pair of them find the floor for the first time this season, ultimately finishing the set and match with a 25-19 final set outcome.
9/6 vs Lake County (@ South Suburban) - Saturday and Sunday, the Chargers traveled to South Holland, Illinois, to participate in the South Suburban Invitational. First up for Marian Ancilla was the College of Lake County. MUAC came out and played solidly, but Lake County just played a cleaner game early and won the first set, 25-18. The Lancers took control early in Set #2, winning by an easier 25-14 margin. Marian Ancilla fought back in the third set and nearly got over the hump, but ultimately the Chargers fell in straight sets, 25-21.
9/6 @ South Suburban - In the second match of the day, Marian Ancilla came out aggressive, trying to avenge their earlier loss to Lake County, taking the first two sets from South Suburban, 25-13 and 25-15. But the Bulldogs came storming back, narrowly winning Set #3, 27-25, before also claiming the fourth set, 25-23. At the end of the day, however, the Chargers battled and gained control late in the fifth set, winning 15-11, taking the victory against the host Bulldogs.
9/7 vs Milwaukee Tech (@ South Suburban) - Sunday afternoon, the Chargers began their day against maybe the best team they've played thus far in Milwaukee Area Technical College. The Stormers entered the weekend an undefeated 10-0 and ranked 21st in the country. But the feisty Marian Ancilla squad came out loose and aggressive, taking the first two sets, 25-21 and 30-28. It was easily the best the Chargers have looked so far this season. But the Stormers dug in deep and showed their mettle, responding with a 3-2 victory after winning the final three sets, 25-10, 25-16, and 15-7.
9/7 vs Highland (@ South Suburban) - The Highland Cougars provided another stiff challenge for MUAC, as the Cougars had beaten Milwaukee Tech earlier in the day, earning their way into receiving votes on this week's national poll. Following the tough loss to Milwaukee Tech, Marian Ancilla improved each set against Highland. They dropped the first set, 25-16, then narrow it in the second to 25-19. The Chargers then won the third set, 25-20, but finally fell in four sets, 3-1, after a 25-18 loss in Set #4.
The Chargers are back in action this Thursday (9/11) when they host Grace College's Junior Varsity squad at 7:00 p.m. at the LifePlex in Plymouth. Please come out and support the ladies, if you are able!!
