Box Score

PALATINE, Ill. – The No. 1 Harper College volleyball team proved victorious in straight-sets against Rock Valley College (7-10, 3-4 N4C) on Tuesday night. The win was the Hawks second against Rock Valley in 2016 in as many tries. Harper (21-0, 7-0 N4C) has not dropped a match in 2016, winning 60 of its 65 sets.

In the first set, Harper broke open an 11-5 lead on Hannah Moore (/Schaumburg)'s strong serving, forcing Rock Valley to spend a timeout. The Hawks would continue their dominance gaining a 20-11 advantage, before winning the set 25-16. Ariana Chelini (/Crystal Lake South) led the Hawks in the service game with two aces (10-11, 2 aces) and Kayla Mayer (/Wauconda) recorded 12 digs.

Tied at 8-8 the second set looked to be a close finish, but Harper again battled ahead to 18-13 on strong play at the net from Ellie Burzlaff (/Harvest Christian) (3 kills) and Kathryn Novy (/Dundee-Crown) (4 kills). The Hawks would finish the set with 25-18 win. Setter, Katelyn Sommers (/Buffalo Grove), facilitated the offense with 11 assists.

The Hawks, with strong services from Chelini, built a 17-9 lead in the third set and coasted to a 25-18 win in the third set. Harper was far too much for the visitors in the match, recording 65-72 serves with nine aces.

Next up for Harper is Joliet Junior College on Sept. 29 in Joliet. Earlier in the season, the Hawks beat the Wolves in straight sets. On Oct. 1 Harper will host the annual Harper College Invite, playing four games on the day. The opponents will be Black Hawk College, Rock Valley College, Elgin Community College, and McHenry County College. Harper has already knocked off Rock Valley and Elgin on the season.