HIRAM, Ohio – September 16, 2025 – The Terriers fought their way through with a gritty effort against the Grove City Wolverines, dropping the first set, 25-21, before rattling off three straight sets (25-22, 25-15, 27-25) to earn the win in their first PAC match of the season. Hiram currently is tied for the top spot in the PAC North Division standings with Allegheny and has now won six straight matches, tied for its longest winning streak since the start of 2019.

It was night of resilience for the Terriers, as things started out slow, with Grove City taking the first set behind a flurry of offense. Junior Maggie Riley posted six kills in the first frame, but a .348 attack percentage from the road team (19 kills, three attack errors) during that span proved to be too much.

"I think we do a good job of keeping composed, even in tough times," head coach Macy Roell said of the team's response after falling in a one-set hole. "I think that's a testament to our seniors – Kelly Hoffman, Brooke Fishback and Riley France."

Hiram regrouped in the final three sets, as it started the second set with a 5-point scoring run to pull ahead, 7-2. The Wolverines battled and at one point gained a 15-14 lead, but the Terriers answered with a 4-0 run of their own and eventually held on, 25-22.

The third set saw the Terriers knock Grove City out of its groove, with Riley and first-year Megan Chiang each notching four kills to lead the offensive unit. Fishback, who finished the match with a season-high 29 digs, helped limit the Wolverines to just a .118 attack percentage in the third set.

To close out the night, the Terriers saved a set point – which would have forced a decisive fifth set – and eventually claimed a 27-25 set win to secure their first conference win since rejoining the PAC.

"We have a lot of grit," said Hoffman, who posted a career-high 50 assists. "This isn't the first game that we have fought, back-and-forth. It's nice to come out on top."

Hoffman was the facilitator, as she recorded 30+ assists for the ninth time this season. Sofia Smotek and Riley each had 16 kills, while Megan Chiang chipped in 13 kills. Riley also led the team with four service aces and Avery Clay sparked the defense with three total blocks.

Next up, the Terriers will hit the road for Meadville, PA on Friday for another tough conference matchup against reigning PAC Champion Allegheny College.