Volleyball regular season ends, playoff push begins

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

TY SLATER
SPORTS WRITER

11/11/2024

Alma College Volleyball ended the regular season with a 7-21 record, highlighted by clinching a playoff spot as the six-seed with a 3-5 conference standing. The team was led by Head Coach Leah Good in her second season with the Scots. She was aided by Assistant Coaches Taylor Cole Polmanteer (fourth season) and Megan Greenup (second season), with support from volunteer assistant Kolbey Boyd and first-year team manager Madison Neu (’26).

The team started their 2024 campaign with an exhibition match against Albion College on Mackinac Island, also known as the “Clash on the Mack” on Aug. 20. Following the game, the team conducted a special skills session with the island’s varsity squad. Just before the start of regular season play, Callie Smith (’25) was named captain as she provided strong leadership on and off the court.

“Being named captain was such a huge honor. I love all the girls and I’m so happy they trusted and believed in me to lead them as their captain this season,” said Smith.

Alma College opened the competitive season at the U Chicago Invite on Aug. 30 and 31, walking away with a sweep victory over Lawrence University. Subsequent tournaments included the Oberlin College Invite on Sep. 6 and 7 and the Manchester Invite Sep. 13 and 14 where the Scots earned another sweep defeating Franklin College. Smith was awarded Scot of the Week on Sep. 16 for her performance at the Manchester Invite, registering 17 kills, 10 service aces, and six digs.

Volleyball recorded their third sweep of the season on Sep. 21, defeating Hiram College at the Alma College Triangular. Following the game against Northwood University on Sep. 24, Olivia Deeb (’26) earned Scot of the week with 16 assists, the second highest of the match.

Senior night for Alma was on Oct. 1, where graduates Smith, Madison Bott (’25), and Reagan Thorr (’25) were honored before the game. In a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saint Mary’s College (IN), Smith achieved match career highs in kills (24) and digs (19), making the night even more special for the senior. 

Grace Steiner (’28) continued volleyball’s campus recognition by being awarded Scot of the Week on Oct. 7 for her contributions of nine service aces, 41 digs, and eight assists combined in the games against Saint Mary’s College (IN) on Oct. 1 and Adrian College on Oct. 5.

Heading into fall break, Alma looked to increase their team chemistry by visiting Uncle John’s Cider Mill and enjoying a home-cooked meal at Coach Taylor’s house. Coming off the rest, the team celebrated their annual Scots Care pink out game on Oct. 9 by securing a victory over Kalamazoo College 3-1.

Despite tough matchups throughout the rest of the month, the team stayed united, enjoying a pumpkin painting contest on Oct. 16 before securing their fourth sweep of the season against Kuyper College on Oct. 29. A festive Halloween practice followed on Oct. 31 before the final stretch of the season leading up to playoffs.

Looking to make a run in the MIAA Tournament, the Scots will face Albion College on the road for a 7 p.m. matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Kresge Gymnasium.

At the conclusion of the regular season, Smith, Nevea Bush (’27), and Bott led the team in kills with 172, 144, and 140, respectively. Deeb and Vicky Villarosa (’26) topped the assist charts with 419 and 269 while Steiner led the digs category with 325. Katelyn Schell (’27) was a threat at the net, leading the team with 67 blocks.