Good defense leads to good things. The Malcolm volleyball team turned disciplined defense into solid, in-system offense as the Clippers picked up a pair of sweeps on their home court.
Malcolm hosted Class B’s Blair on Aug. 30 and handled the Bears in straight sets, 25-12, 25-22, 25-7. The Clippers’ libero and defensive specialist led the team in digs as Abby Zegar and Jenna Schweitzer each picked seven balls off the court. Freshman Halle Dolliver matched that number with seven digs of her own.
Jordan Brown managed the middle with six blocks while Dolliver added four.
“Our blocking and digging has been impressive,” Malcolm head coach Amber Dolliver said. “We’re holding opponents to a low hitting percentage. Our blockers get touches on balls and our back row players are getting the ball up.”
The Clippers took advantage of clean passing to get good looks at the net as Dolliver slammed 16 kills to the floor while Diamond Sedlak added 10. Callie Schroeder – a sophomore – had six kills while Lauryn England distributed 29 assists. The senior captain also had six kills and five digs.
“We have 11 girls that push each other every day that know someone is fighting to take their position,” Dolliver said. “It makes practice competitive and they push each other in positive ways to make each other better. When we do drills and scrimmage, it’s back and forth and it’s intense.”
Malcolm returned to the home court Sept. 1 and swept Louisville 25-11, 25-4, 25-12.
Sedlak had the hot hand as the senior led the team with 13 kills while adding nine digs and three service aces.
“Having so many offensive weapons really opens things up for Diamond,” Dolliver said. “The outcome of the season relies a lot on her performance. She’s off to a great start.”
Addy Hanson had a career night against the Lions. The senior middle put away six kills while adding a block.
“This was a match we knew we could get her the ball more and she capitalized,” Dolliver said. “She works so hard and she improves on a daily basis.”
The Clippers (5-0) will remain home this week as they host the Malcolm Boosters Tournament with matches on Thursday and Saturday. In pool play, Malcolm will face No. 8 Elmwood-Murdock (2-3), Centennial (4-2), Fairbury (3-0) and Ashland-Greenwood (1-5). The other pool includes defending state champions and top ranked Lincoln Lutheran (5-0) and Columbus Scotus (4-1).
“We have the athletes and talent to compete with anyone,” Dolliver said. “It's time to see if we have team chemistry when the competition gets harder and matches become more intense.
“I'm excited to see what we can do as a team. Practices have been great. The girls have been working hard. Now let's get on the court and let them play.”
