Anderson Clinches HCAC Tournament Berth on Senior Night

The Anderson University volleyball team took down rival Manchester University with a 22-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-23 victory during Wednesday's Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) matchup in O.C. Lewis Gymnasium.

With the win, Anderson (11-12, 4-4) clinched a berth into the HCAC Tournament as a No. 5 seed.

Anderson recognized Felicity Bontrager (Goshen, Ind. / Fairfield), Kaycie Gates (Newburgh, Ind. / Castle), Melanie Marchena (Destin, Fla. / Rocky Bayou Christian School), Alexis Sorrell (Hudsonville, Mich. / Unity Christian) and Brooke Troyer (Elkhart, Ind. / Elkhart Memorial) for Senior Night. The Ravens also celebrated two milestones that were achieved earlier this year. Gates broke the 1,000-assist barrier while Troyer eclipsed the 1,000-dig barrier.

"I am so proud of the fight and grit that our girls show every time they step on the court," Coach Tami Miller said. "I am especially happy for our seniors that got a win on Senior Night and secured a spot in the conference tournament. Offensively, we were led by Sydney McClain, Shay Perry and Ashlyn Transier. Our backcourt was led by senior Brooke Troyer and Tess Perdue!"

During the first set, Anderson jumped out to a 4-0 lead and also held an 8-3 lead. Manchester (11-14, 3-5) chipped away and tied the set at 18-all and eventually took a 22-20 lead. The Ravens evened the score at 22-all, but the Spartans scored the next three points and took the first set with Helaina Walters capping off the first set with an ace. Manchester hit .225 in the first set.

Anderson held control of the next two sets, hitting .294 and .353 in each set, respectively. Both teams saw a more competitive fourth set as both teams were tied at 23-all. The Ravens capped off a 25-23 set win to clinch the match with consecutive kills from Shaylen Perry (Eaton, Ohio / Eaton) and Tess Perdue (Lexington, Ky. / West Jessamine). On the match, Anderson posted a .232 attack percentage while Manchester finished with a .149 hitting percentage.

Sydney McClain (Urbana, Ohio / Emmanuel Christian Academy) led the Ravens with 12 kills. Perdue notched 10 kills and 16 digs on the match. Gates and Hannah Rady (Cloverdale, Ind. / Cloverdale) dished out 31 assists and 17 assists, respectively. Troyer scattered 18 digs for the Ravens. Perry produced eight kills and a .333 attack percentage. Jimena Montano (Algonquin, Ill. / Harvest Christian Academy) smashed nine kills while Bontrager also turned in eight kills. Erin Roach (Selma, Ind. / Wapahani) provided 10 digs and four service aces. Ashlyn Transier (Cicero, Ind. / Oak Hill) contributed six kills and a .308 hitting percentage.

Anderson's seniors reflect on their Senior Night experience:

"It was surreal to see my time playing volleyball come full circle," Melanie Marchena said. "We have spent a lot of time [in O.C. Lewis Gymnasium] as a team and to know that [Wednesday] was the last time us five would play [in O.C. Lewis Gymnasium] was bittersweet. We made it to the tournament, so we aren't done yet, but [Wednesday] was one step to closing the chapter of volleyball in my life and it felt very surreal."

"Volleyball has taught me more than I can imagine about determination and perseverance," Kaycie Gates said. "I feel beyond blessed to have shared the court with these four amazing women during my time at AU. Volleyball will be dearly missed in my life, but I couldn't have asked for a better way to go out than with this team and with these people!"

"I loved being able to play my Senior Night game with the girls I came into college with as freshmen," Brooke Troyer said. "We all worked awesome together as a team and I could not be happier for how [Wednesday] played out."

"I am so thankful for my volleyball experience," Felicity Bontrager said. "When I started playing volleyball when I was eight, I never would've imagined how much this game would give to me. I'm so thankful for the friendships I've gained through this game. I'm just very thankful for all of my teammates and coaches over the years, especially everyone who has played a role in my AUVB career."

In addition to celebrating Senior Night, Alexis Sorrell has been playing in memory of her heavenly mother Robyn Sorrell.

"Four years ago, if you would have asked me what volleyball meant to me, I would have a completely different answer than what I do today," Alexis Sorrell said. "As I have my Senior Night, I've been reflecting: I don't love volleyball because of playing, but because of the people, the friendships made, the memories, the support system I have gained, the life lessons learned and the outlet it has given me for the past 11 years. I still remember the day my mom drove me to my first practice in fifth grade, the excitement and nervousness I felt and her trying to calm me down. I wish so badly my mom was here [for Senior Night] with my dad. I know she's with me and proud of me for sticking to it to the end. Thank you, volleyball; little did I know as an 11-year old how much this sport would impact my life."

Anderson takes on Transylvania University (18-12, 6-2) in HCAC action to close out the regular season on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Lexington, Ky.