During day two of the St. Vincent tournament, John Carroll remained strong, sweeping the Yellow Jackets of Waynesburg University (25-19, 25-13, 25-13) and the Yeowomen of Oberlin College (25-22, 25-21, 27-25).
The Yellow Jackets put up a fight during the first set, going point for point with the Blue Streaks. However, the Blue and Gold swatted away the competition. John Carroll recorded 38 team kills, blowing away Waynesburg's 17 kills. Consistent serving by Sarah Calabrese also proved crucial to securing the victory.
Freshman powerhouse Brooke Hjerpe lead the Blue Streaks to their second victory, getting into double digits for both kills (12) and digs (17). Senior Caitlin Cianciolo offered an additional 14 digs, shutting down the Yellow Jacket offense. Freshman Ally Bartolone racked up 18 assists, allowing for both Calabrese and Cassi Calamunci to chip in five and eight kills apiece.
Next to face off with the Blue Streaks was Oberlin. Both teams entered the match focused and ready to play. Even though the battle was tough, strong performances by Calabrese and Calamunci, Bartolone, and freshman Rachel Bleile ultimately clinched the win.
Calabrese lead on the offensive side with 13 kills, closely followed by Calamunci with 10 kills. Bartolone and Bleile provided 18 assists and 14 assists, respectively.
Cianciolo continues to climb her way up in the record books at John Carroll. Accruing 12 digs against the Yeowomen, she now ranks 19th in program history.
The Blue Streaks dominated offensively in their opening weekend, with three of the top five scorers being freshman. After four matches, Hjerpe leads in team in kills with 44 (3.14 k/s), while Calabrese, Calamunci, and Emma Abfall follow with 40 and 36, and 20. Senior Thommie Jackson rounds out the top five with 13.
For her efforts, Hjerpe was named to the Bearcat Invitational all-tournament team.
John Carroll moves to 3-1 on the season. The Blue Streaks will be back in action Friday, September 7, against Case Western Reserve University at 5:30 P.M.
