The Women’s Volleyball team, have flipped the script from last season. The team is showings its competitiveness delivering high-impact performances throughout September with a 3-1 record. Last season the team was 1-3 during the same span of time.

Facing the start of the MCCAA Eastern Conference schedule, the team translated their preseason momentum into significant victories. With standout performances anchoring their defense and offense, the Ocelots established themselves as Eastern Conference contenders, ending the month with a strong record and setting a high bar for the rest of the season.

First step 

Coming off a three-game winning streak, the Ocelots began their conference play on the right foot, dominating their matchup against Henry Ford College. Schoolcraft secured a decisive 3-0 victory, with set scores of 25-9, 25-17, and 25-19.

The first set was fast and direct, as the Ocelots showed no mercy, taking advantage of a disorganized Henry Ford team to secure a remarkable 16-point lead. Though the Hawks showed more presence in the later sets, the Ocelots maintained their consistent play.

The team’s success was powered by outside hitter Hayden Brose, who had 18 kills and 9 digs.

“Everyone’s goal is to come off strong for their first game of the season and I’m thankful that that’s how our team performed. I couldn’t have been as successful as I was without all of the others performing the way they did. We all have high hopes for this season and are looking forward to many more victories,” said Brose on the team’s strong start.

Setter Isabelle Phillips, who orchestrated the offense with 28 assists, emphasized the importance of connection.

“I always try to have a good connection with my hitters. If something goes wrong I always ask them what I could change about my set that will help them. The key to maintaining synergy with my hitters is always staying positive. Even if we lose a point we don’t let it get in our heads and just move on from it,” said Phillips.

No more mistakes

The team’s consistent performance continued on September 22 at home, where Schoolcraft secured a 3-0 victory over Jackson College with set scores of 25-18, 25-4, and 25-11.

The match presented an early challenge, with the Ocelots falling behind 15-11 in the first set. The score remained close, reaching 18-18, until the Ocelots rallied by eliminating errors and scoring an impressive 7-point run to close the set in their favor.

Starting in the second set, the Ocelots’ focus became clearer. The team dominated Jackson College, winning 25-4, as the opposing Jets appeared fatigued. The Ocelots maintained this momentum in the final set, closing at 25-11 to secure the sweep.

The road warrior’s defense 

The Ocelots secured a crucial road victory over Macomb Community College, winning 3-1 (25-13, 25-23, 23-25, and 25-16) 0n September 24.

The Ocelots started focused, with solid defense and effective blocking leading to a decisive 12-point margin in the first set. While the Monarchs elevated their play to challenge Schoolcraft in the tight second set (25-23), and managed to claim the third set (25-23), the Ocelots maintained their composure. In the fourth and deciding set, the team regained full control, with defensive consistency ensuring a comfortable 25-16 victory.

This strong defensive effort was individually recognized when defender Katelyn Orlowski was named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Orlowski earned the award after recording 24 digs (4.80 per set) and an outstanding 0.926 reception percentage, underscoring her fundamental role in both the Macomb and Jackson victories.

The unavoidable test

The Ocelots’ dominant run was challenged September 29 when the team suffered its first conference loss, falling 3-0 to the St. Clair County Community College, Skippers. This match, though a setback, provides a crucial learning experience as the team analyzes the key differences required to compete with the top teams in the division.

Season outlook: Momentum meets challenge

The Ocelots finish the month of September in excellent standing, boasting a 5-2 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play. The team has demonstrated a powerful and versatile offense through players and an elite defensive foundation anchored primarily by Katelyn Orlowski.

Their strong start sets the stage for a compelling October schedule with the back-to-back games. The loss to St. Clair serves as the defining challenge, but the Ocelots have already shown the resilience and focus needed to contend for the MCCAA Eastern Conference title. The team carries significant momentum into the next phase of the season, ready to face the demands of the league.

Next up for the Ocelots is home game against Mott Community College on Wed. Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.