Grand Rapids, Mich. – Women's Volleyball continued their busy weekend at home with a hard fought win over Cumberland University and a commanding victory over Olivet Nazarene University. Cornerstone has now completed five consecutive sweeps with their flawless weekend performances. The Golden Eagles will look ahead to an away matchup versus Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. 

Game Recap – #RV Cornerstone – 3 Cumberland University – 0 (25-16, 28-26, 25-17)

First Set: Cornerstone – 25 Cumberland University – 16

• The match began quickly for Alli Pickard who led CU to some strong serving and a 4-2 lead. 

• Three dominant swings from Aubrey Johnson pushed the lead up to 7-4 for the Golden Eagles. 

• Cumberland could not keep up with the pace of Cornerstone as they found themselves trailing 12-6 early in set one. 

• More strong serving from Cornerstone followed with Ava Ford as the Golden Eagles led 16-7. 

• Gabby VerBerkmoes and Gwyneth VerBerkmoes completed two kills to secure the first set win over Cumberland. 

Second Set: Cornerstone – 28 Cumberland University – 26

• Cumberland found some life to start the second set of the day working themselves into a 8-4 advantage. 

• Payton Hutchinson was dealing well for Cornerstone helping the Golden Eagles chip away at the lead with multiple assists. 

• It was a continued battle for both teams but CU trailed 20-16 late in the set. 

• Aubrey Johnson and Josilyn Potter continued to swing hard as Cornerstone fought their way into a tie game at 24-24. 

• Lydia Uganski was dominant at the net when it mattered most with back to back blocks to give Cornerstone the 2-0 lead in the match. 

Third Set: Cornerstone – 25 Cumberland University – 17

• The third set was underway and it did not pose well for Cumberland as their attack errors piled up fast which gave Cornerstone a 7-4 lead. 

• The story of the match continued to be strong serving this time from Ava Ford as the Golden Eagles held a 14-7 lead. 

• Cumberland made a late push bringing the set within four points but Cornerstone scored six of the last seven points to complete the sweep in game one. 

Game Recap – #RV Cornerstone – 3 Olivet Nazarene– 0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-12)

First Set: Cornerstone – 25 Olivet Nazarene– 17

• The match began with back and forth play as the first set was deadlocked at 8-8 early. 

• Lauren Bower and Aubrey Johnson found kills yet the match remained tied this time at 13-13. 

• The Golden Eagles found a seven point run thanks to steady serving from Aubrey Johnson and kills to follow it up from Gabby VerBerkmoes. 

• Alli Pickard closed out the set with an ace to take the 1-0 lead after set one. 

Second Set: Cornerstone – 25 Olivet Nazarene– 19

• The second set started well for the Tigers who took advantage of attacking errors from the Golden Eagles which gave them a 9-7 advantage. 

• Cornerstone then flipped the script to turn the set around, now leading 13-10. 

• More strong play from Gabby VerBerkmoes allowed CU to have a four point advantage looking to take the 2-0 match lead. 

• Cornerstone closed the set on a five point run with errors compounding for the Tigers. 

Third Set: Cornerstone – 25 Olivet Nazarene– 12

• The third set began with Gianna Warwick leading from her serves as Cornerstone found themselves out to a dominant 10-3 lead. 

• Josilyn Potter saw her opportunity to strike again which boosted the Golden Eagles into a 18-5 lead with the Tigers spirits completely dismembered. 

• The ladies closed out the match and extended a strong streak of 15 consecutive sets won. 

By The Numbers:

5 - Cornerstone extends their streak of sweeps after a pair of wins today. 

12 - The Golden Eagles collected 12 aces across both games. 

17 - The ladies were strong at the net today with 17 total blocks thanks to nine from Gabby VerBerkmoes. 

What's Next?

Women's Volleyball continues their season next Wednesday, as they visit Siena Heights University to take on the Saints at 7p.m. within the SHU Fieldhouse. 

Volleyball Contact: Chance Deane