HANCOCK, Mich. – Mount Mary University lost both of today's matches at the Finlandia Invitational. The first match was a 3-1 loss to host Finlandia University, the second was a 3-0 loss to Grace Bible College.
It has been two seasons since Finlandia University and MMU have met each other on the volleyball court, that last time was a 3-0 sweep for the Blue Angels. The tables turned in this season's encounter, the Lions got ahead in a hurry with the 25-12, 25-13 initial sets. It would then let the Blue Angels shine some of their potential as they looked like a new team in the third set, MMU won that set 25-23. Hopes were high thereafter, but once the Lions got their serve streak, it would be tough for MMU to get back. The final set ended 25-14 for the Lions.
In an effort to relieve the stress of the missing setter spot, Molly Peck (Fr./Milwaukee, Wis.) stepped up in the role and led the team with 17 assists in game one.
Grace Bible College was next for the Blue Angels, and the Tigers were up for the task. Since joining the NCAA, MMU has owned the series between the schools 10-2, but for the third straight contest, GBC has won. The match went 25-13, 25-11, 25-15 in favor of the Tigers. Peck again would step into the role of setter and lead her team with 10 assists in the second game.
Day two of the invite has two games slotted for MMU. Maranatha Baptist University has a 14-5 record on the season, the Sabercats have defeated some common opponents of the Blue Angels this season, Rockford University and Concordia University Chicago. MMU will play MBU in the first match 10:30 am tomorrow at the invitational.
The last contest of the tournament has MMU matching up against another tough team, familiar opponent Alverno College. This season, the two teams met on Sept. 13 where the Inferno swept the Blue Angels in a 3-0 match. The rematch on Sept. 27th between the Blue Angels and Inferno begins immediately following the MBU match at 12:00 pm.
