Kennesaw State University’s Women’s Volleyball team welcomed Michigan State University, Appalachian State University, and Troy University to the nest over the weekend.
Thursday’s opener against the Spartans blended competition with compassion and purpose. “Griffin’s Game”, in its 10th year, was dedicated to raising awareness for childhood cancer and honoring young patients battling the disease. This year’s game honored 11-year-old Jersey Washington from Powder Springs, Georgia.
KSU faced Michigan State for the first time in the history of their program. Despite the loss to the Spartans, the Owls rose to the occasion with grit and determination. Manu Johnsen led the Owls’ charge with 17 kills, 3 aces, and 12 digs, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Kourtney Brown orchestrated the offense with 38 assists and added 2 blocks. Olivia Burrage made her presence felt at the net with 9 kills and 4 blocks.
The Owls had their chances to take the opening match after taking a 24-23 lead down the stretch on a kill by Maggie Butkovich. “I thought we fought pretty hard for most of that match. I’m proud of our overall effort,” said KSU Head Coach Keith Schunzel. “Thought we had a number of opportunities to win that match, we were at two swings to win set 1, we won set 2, and we were siding out at 20-21 in set 3.”
Johnsen and company went to work in the second set. After falling behind early, the Owls dug deep and reversed the tables. KSU let the Spartans know it wasn’t going to be a light day.
Undefeated Appalachian State gave the Owls all they wanted on Friday. KSU took the first match but dropped the next two in a row. The Owls had to dig deep in the fourth set. Kiernan Stamey put the Owls ahead 24-23 with a well-placed kill. Johnsen sealed the win with her third kill of the set. The senior outside hitter finished the day with 21 kills, 2 aces, and 15 digs.Caroline Cole came up big with a few clutch plays, finishing with 5 blocks and 2 aces. Brown was her usual consistent self, notching 42 assists. Stamey had five of her nine kills in the set.
Appalachian State scored seven points in a row to overtake the Owls in the final set. Once ahead, they never looked back. Schunzel was not pleased with the effort from his squad in the deciding set. “Our team is too good to allow other teams, who we are better than, to beat us when we have given ourselves every opportunity to win the game,” said Schunzel.
On Sunday, the last day of the Invitational, KSU controlled the game with defense, defeating Troy University 3-0. The Owls had a total of 37 kills and 12 blocks. Manu Johnsen led the team with 13 kills, and Haley Patterson had eight block assists.
KSU started the season strong with a record of 4-1 entering the tournament. They are now 5-3 as they a series of matches on the road.