The Schoolcraft Ocelots women’s volleyball team secured two important consecutive victories this week. The team’s consistent performance resulted in triumphs both at home and on the road, highlighting their tactical focus.
The team’s strong showing was individually recognized, with defender Katelyn Orlowski being named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Orlowski earned the award after recording 24 digs (4.80 per set) and a .926 reception percentage, underscoring her fundamental role in both victories.
The Mid-Set Awakening
In a match played at home Sept. 22, Schoolcraft secured a 3-0 victory over Jackson College. Following a slow start and a tight first set, the Ocelots found their rhythm and won with set scores of 25-18, 25-4, and 25-11.
The first set presented an early challenge. The Ocelots fell behind, trailing 15-11 to the Jets. The set remained close, reaching 18-18, until the Ocelots rallied. Eliminating errors, the team scored an impressive 7-point run, closing the set in their favor.
Starting in the second set, the Ocelots’ superiority was clear. The team completely dominated Jackson College, winning 25-4. The Jets appeared fatigued and made numerous errors, while the Ocelots maintained consistency with strong attacks and solid defense. The final set continued Schoolcraft’s momentum, closing at 25-11 to secure the match.
Road Victory: A Tense Four-Set Battle
On Sept. 24, the Ocelots played away at Macomb Community College and had a strong outing, winning 3-1 with scores of 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, and 25-16.
The first set was decided by solid defense, the blocking was effective, with few balls getting past the block. The team started the match focused, winning by a 12-point margin. During the break between sets, the Monarchs elevated their play, challenging the Ocelots in the second set, which ended a tight 25-23.
In the third set, the Monarchs’ resurgence solidified, resulting in the Ocelots’ only set loss of the night, at 25-23. However, the Schoolcraft team maintained their composure. In the fourth and deciding set, the team regained full control, and the defensive consistency led by Orlowski ensured a comfortable 25-16 victory, sealing the conference win.
