Leonard and Sullivan Lead Grinnell College Volleyball Past Lake Forest in Four Sets
GRINNELL, Iowa — Millie Leonard recorded a match-high 18 kills, while Keira Sullivan added 12 kills and seven serving aces as Grinnell College defeated Lake Forest College 3-1 in women’s volleyball Saturday, October 31st, at Darby Gymnasium.
The Pioneers won the opening two sets 25-21 and 25-19 before Lake Forest responded with a 25-22 victory in the third. Grinnell closed out the match with a convincing 25-15 win in the fourth set.
The victory improved Grinnell’s record to 10-12 overall and 6-3 in Midwest Conference play. Lake Forest fell to 11-13 overall and 4-5 in conference competition.
Grinnell Takes Control Early
The opening set featured nine ties and four lead changes before Grinnell pulled away in the closing points.
With the score tied 21-21, the Pioneers scored four consecutive points to secure the 25-21 victory. Sullivan played a major role in the finish, recording a kill and two serving aces during the final stretch.
Grinnell continued its strong offensive performance in the second set, recording 18 kills and building an early 10-4 advantage.
Lake Forest attempted to close the gap, but the Pioneers maintained control and won 25-19 to take a two-set lead.
Leonard recorded six kills in the second set, while Sullivan added five.
Lake Forest Responds in Third Set
The Foresters found their momentum in the third set, building an 18-9 advantage behind strong serving from Lilly Robinson and L’Rae White.
Grinnell battled back, eventually tying the score at 21-21.
However, Lake Forest scored four of the final five points to win 25-22 and extend the match.
Robinson finished with six serving aces for Lake Forest, including four in the third set.
Pioneers Finish Strong
Grinnell quickly regained control in the fourth set.
After falling behind 2-0, the Pioneers moved ahead 8-4 and later extended their advantage to 16-8.
Molly Kuhn recorded two consecutive serving aces late in the set, helping Grinnell build a 21-13 lead.
An ace from Emilee Appel ended the match, giving the Pioneers a 25-15 victory.
Leonard and Sullivan Lead the Statistics
Leonard led all players with 18 kills while committing just four attack errors on 32 attempts, finishing with an impressive .438 hitting percentage.
Sullivan contributed 12 kills, seven serving aces, and 13 digs. She finished with a .423 hitting percentage.
Leticia Machado added nine kills, while Charlotte Sigler finished with six.
Kylie-Ann Smith directed the offense with 28 assists, and Paige Lundgren contributed 12.
Defensively, libero Gracie Lim led Grinnell with 16 digs.
The Pioneers finished with 49 kills and 17 serving aces, compared to 37 kills and 11 aces for Lake Forest.
Lake Forest held an 11-1 advantage in team blocks, but Grinnell’s offensive production and serving helped overcome that difference.
Robinson led the Foresters with 23 assists and six aces, while White recorded a team-high nine kills.
