SANDUSKY, Ohio - September 1, 2023 - The Hiram women's volleyball team started its season on a strong note, beating Suffolk in four sets (3-1) before falling just short to Bethany (3-1) as part of the Great Lakers Cross Over at the Cedar Point Sports Center on Friday.

The two-day event features 23 schools playing over 40 games on the premises of the world-famous amusement park. The Terriers went 2-1 at the same event this past season.

Hiram was spearheaded by Emily Richardson, who had team-highs in kills in both games (13 vs Suffolk, 14 vs Bethany). Erin Burke had 17 assists in each game, while Kayla Franks tallied 17 digs in Game 1 and Brooke Fishback had 22 digs in Game 2.

Game 1 Recap vs Suffolk

It was a tightly contested affair against the Rams, as neither team led by more than five points until the fourth set, when Hiram went on a 6-0 run to take a 15-7 lead. The Terriers wouldn't trail for the remainder of the match to eventually carve out their first win of the season.

Leading up to that point was clutch play in the second and third sets; Hiram finished the second set on a 5-1 run and the third set on a 5-3 run to take a 2-1 advantage. Both sets were decided by a 25-23 score.

The Terriers had five different players record at least 4 kills in the game, including Brooke Norris with 8 kills and Amber Fox with 5 kills.

Game 2 Recap vs Bethany

More lengthy sets followed in the second game, with Hiram and Bethany combining for 109 points in the first two sets alone. The Bison would prevail and take a 2-0 lead: 25-20 and 33-31.

The Terriers played one of their best sets of the day when they needed it the most, winning 25-12 in the third set behind 8 kills and 4 service aces. The team notably scored seven straight points with Madison Russell serving.

Bethany would win the final set, 25-18, to hold on for the victory. 

What's Next

Hiram will continue play at Cedar Point on Saturday, as it takes on Ohio Northern at 8 a.m. and Grove City at 12 p.m.