Box Score

PALATINE, Ill. – It finally happened. After winning an unprecedented 52 straight sets, Harper College volleyball team finally dropped a set to its hosts, College of Dupage (5-15, 3-2 N4C). The Hawks were forced to win the match in four sets, extending their undefeated record to 18-0.

The No. 1 ranked Hawks started the first set fast building a 6-1 lead, but could not break away from the Chaparrals early on. Finally, the Hawks were able to gain an advantage of 19-14 forcing College of DuPage to spend a timeout. After the timeout, Harper extended its lead to 23-17 before tacking on two more points for a set one win of 25-17.

The second set was knotted at 8-8 and again at 13-13, before Harper was able to establish an 18-13 lead on skilled serving by Katelyn Sommers (/Buffalo Grove) (38 assists, 21 digs). College of DuPage got as close as 19-15, but a powerful Sarah Udoni (/Palatine) kill (4 kills) spurred the visitors on to a 25-17 win in set two.

In somewhat of an anomaly the Hawks fell behind to the Chaparrals 3-7 in the third, but battled back to tie it at 11-11 on Hannah Moore (/Schaumburg)'s services (17-17, 3 aces). Doomed by two unforced errors, the Hawks again fell behind and never caught up dropping the set 18-25.

The No. 1 ranked Hawks proved their mettle in the final set and built a 20-9 lead. The final tally was 25-12.

"We had to play extremely well to win this match," said Harper Coach Bob Vilsoet. "This is clearly the strongest conference and region in the nation this year."

Next up for the Hawks is second-ranked Madison College. The game will be on Sept. 22 in Madison, WI at 6PM. Madison is 19-1 on the season, with a 5-0 N4C record. Last year, the teams split the season matchup with both teams winning on its home court.