Spectators Return as Clark State Opens Volleyball Season

Submitted by Max Miess | Photo Credit: Max Miess

For all the success that was had in 2020, it was a lonely season. The Eagles volleyball squad put up an 11-6 record, a .647 win percentage that was good for top 10 in school history, but no one was there to see it. COVID restrictions kept the stands empty for the entire season, with these dramatic showdowns taking place without any spectators to be found.

Entering the 2021 season, that is no longer the case. All are welcome to come out and witness the spectacle that is Clark State volleyball (albeit with masks required). The players and coaches on both sides seem to appreciate the added energy that spectators provide, and truthfully the games are just more fun when there are people cheering alongside you.

The Eagles have rode that extra energy to a 2-2 start to their 2021 season. They began the year on a two game road trip facing Edison State Community College and Kent State University Tuscarawas. The Eagles were put down by Edison State 3-1, but rebounded strongly with a sweep of Kent State Tuscarawas. In both games, freshman Lindsey Brayton thrived, putting up 12 points in the Edison loss and 18.5 points in the sweep of the Kent State Golden Flashes.

That 18.5 is tied for the highest single game point total of anyone on the team through this young season, matched only by Lindsey's other 18.5 point performance on Thursday against Heidelberg JV. Across four games, Brayton has led the team in scoring four times.

The home opener for the Eagles came Tuesday against Mount Vernon University JV and the Eagles put on a show for the home crowd. They swept the Cougars in three games, outscoring them 75-41. Chloe Castillo, one of the team's three returning sophomores, put up 19 digs during the match. She currently has more than 15 digs in 3 of the Eagles' 4 games.

Thursday's home match up with powerhouse Heidelberg University's JV squad saw the Eagles come up short, losing 3-1. It was an exciting matchup, with rallies regularly passing over the net six, seven and eight times. Heidelberg had four different players put up 8 points or more, while Clark State's Tessa Walling served up 3 aces in a 13.5 point performance.

Led by all three returning sophomores Chloe Castillo, Allison DeWitt and Alyssa Blanke, the Eagles hope to find their stride this year and put together a successful season. So far they are 2-2. Their next match is a home game against Owens Community College, Saturday, September 11 at 1 p.m. The gym will be open to all spectators, we hope to see you there!