EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Merrimack College women's volleyball team opened its 2025 season this weekend at the Michigan State Tournament, defeating Chicago State University 3–0 before falling to the host Spartans 0–3.
The Basics
- Score (Match 1): Merrimack 3, Chicago State 0
- Score (Match 2): Michigan State 3, Merrimack 0
- Records: Merrimack (1–1), Chicago State (0–1), Michigan State (1–0)
How It Happened (Match 1)
The Warriors battled closely with Chicago State in the opening set before two straight service aces from
Lilly Konrad sparked momentum.
Morgan Thurlow added two more aces as Merrimack built a four-point cushion. After the Cougars tied the set at 16–16, the Warriors closed on an 8–2 run to secure the early lead.
In the second set,
Ella Gizmunt and
Aubrey Baker each notched two kills to give Merrimack a 5–2 start. Chicago State rallied to tie the score at 11–11, but the Warriors responded with a 7–0 run, highlighted by three assists from Konrad. Merrimack cruised the rest of the way for a 25–14 win.
The Warriors fell behind early in the third set but capitalized on Cougar errors to regain control. Four different players contributed kills during a late surge that extended the lead to 20–15. A service ace from
Sophia DeBonis sealed the 25–20 victory and the sweep.
How It Happened (Match 2)
Merrimack jumped out to an 8–4 lead over Michigan State behind Spartan attack errors and kills from Baker and Thurlow. Konrad dished out three assists in the tightly contested set, but a late MSU push gave the hosts a 25–19 win.
In the second set, three different Warriors recorded kills, while Konrad continued to pace the offense with assists on more than half of Merrimack's rally points. Michigan State's balanced attack, however, pulled away for a 25–12 decision.
The Warriors opened the third set on a 3–0 run, with
Ella Maldonado serving two aces to keep the score tight. McKenna Shotwell and
Marissa Kobelski each added two kills, but the Spartans closed strong to take the set 25–18 and complete the sweep.
Stats and Facts (Match 1)
- Thurlow led the Warriors with 11 kills, a career high.
- Shotwell recorded a team-high 21 total attacks and finished with eight kills.
- Konrad tallied 16 assists.
- Baker paced the defense with three blocks and added seven kills on 20 swings.
Stats and Facts (Match 2)
- Shotwell led Merrimack with five kills and added four digs.
- DeBonis notched seven assists and a team-high nine digs.
- Thurlow chipped in four kills and two service aces.
Up Next
The Warriors continue tournament play next weekend at Northern Illinois, with matches scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday
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