Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 PALATINE, IL-  The #8 ranked Harper College volleyball team took part in the Dig Pink Invitational at South Suburban College on Saturday.  In two matches, the Hawks finished 2-0.

Match One- Harper defeated DII Southeastern Iowa (25-23, 13-25, 25-22, 25-12)

In the first set, the Hawks found themselves in an early hole, falling behind 0-4 before a timeout brought them back on track.  After ties at 14 and 18, the Hawks once again trailed 20-22 before tying the set at 23 and eventually winning 25-23.  The second set began eerily similar to the first, however, the Hawks were not able to bounce back in this one and lost 13-25.  Set three of the day was a close fought battle as the Hawks lost an early 6-point lead but were able to hang on for a 25-22 win.  The fourth set was more like the Harper the nation has come to know as they were in control from the start and finished the match with a 25-12 win.

Abby  Wemple led the team with 13 kills and Kayla Agoranos (Hampshire/Hampshire) added 9 of her own.  The Hawks served at an outstanding 96.6% clip and notched 7 aces.  The team also totaled 10.5 blocks as Wemple led the way with 4.5.  Harper had 5 players notch double-digit digs with Agoranos' 19 pacing the team.  The Hawks had two player finish with double-doubles, Agoranos with 19 digs and 22 assists, and Kathleen Gueco (Hanover Park/Hoffman Estates) with 13 digs and 22 assists.

Match Two- Harper defeated Olivet-Nazarene JV (17-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-6)

An early ten-point deficit in the first set was enough to bury the Hawks.  They were able to mount a small comeback, but ended up dropping set one 17-25.  Set two was a battle from beginning to end with ties at 3, 13, 17, and 20.  However, three service reception shanks downed the Hawks in the second set 20-25.  In the third set, Harper was down again but fought back to tie the set at 17 all.  After going ahead 20-18, Olivet-Nazarene tied the score at 20 all before Harper stayed alive with a 25-22 third set victory.  The fourth set was all Harper from the beginning as Kayla Agoranos (Hampshire/Hampshire) had 8 straight service points to set the tone for a 25-16 win.  In the winner take all fifth set, Harper started off quickly again with a 5-1 lead.  The Hawks were able to finish the final set with a 15-6 win.

Abby Wemple (Johnsburg/Johnsburg) once again led the team with 17 kills and Mackenize Bush added on 11.  Another strong serving performance saw the Hawks total 12 aces, including 5 from Agoranos and 3 from Kathleen Gueco (Hanover Park/Hoffman Estates).  Karolina Sas (Palatine/Fremd) and Wemple co-led the team with 21 digs each.  Agoranos (13 digs, 24 assists) and Wemple (17 kills, 21 digs) notched double-doubles for the Hawks.

Head coach Bob Vilsoet feels the team is beginning to come around saying, "We are getting better.  We are beginning to learn how to play together as a team.  Flashes of brilliance are becoming brighter and more common."

The wins moved the Hawks' record to 17-10 on the season.  Next up, Harper will host the College of DuPage Chaparrals on Tuesday at 6pm.