Cedarville exits court with excitement after victory against Ohio Dominican

By Tayler Sharp

Pass, set, hit. Pass, set, hit. Back and forth. Back and forth.

The fans’ necks were breaking, the gym getting more and more electric as the Cedarville women’s volleyball team battled out a long rally for the 25th point of the second set. That point led the Jackets to a hard-fought, five-set victory against the Ohio Dominican Panthers on Wednesday night. 

That set point switched the momentum of the game. After losing 19-25 in the first set, it was unclear how the Jackets would adjust their game plan. But after the second set, it was obvious: the Jackets were ready to fight. 

“We were flat, the way we played, and that’s just not us,” said head Coach Greg Smith. “So the biggest thing was just bringing the energy.” 

The Jackets maintained high energy throughout the rest of the five-set matchup, winning 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 24-26, 15-7. This intensity was the key that they were missing in the first set, and what ultimately led the Jackets to victory in the fifth. 

Second to Cedarville in the south division of the GMAC conference, Ohio Dominican was not going to be an easy matchup. Because of Cedarville’s energy and dedication, the Yellow Jackets were able to put an end to the Panthers’ nine-game win streak. 

But Cedarville had no fear when it came to Ohio Dominican’s record. The Yellow Jackets persisted through the match, leading with energy and aggression.

“We knew that this team was definitely a team that played up and down, and we do that as well, but we just came in with a lot of energy,” middle hitter Janae Heegaard said. “We knew that if we had a lot of energy, we played our positions well and connected on the court, that it would go well.” 

Heegaard was a key player when it came to Wednesday’s match. With 11 kills, three solo blocks and nine block assists, her skills shone bright on the court. 

Outside hitter Madelyn Hensley undoubtedly stood out consistently throughout the game. With 20 kills, Hensley contributed greatly to Cedarville’s victory and achieved her 1000th career kill.

The Cedarville Yellow Jackets left the gymnasium in high spirits after Wednesday night’s victory, as did the fans who lived and died with every play. This win boosts Cedarville’s record to 14-5 and will most certainly fuel their drive to face Gannon University on Saturday. 

Tayler Sharp is a journalism major and writer and photographer for Cedars. Tayler loves playing golf, reading a good book or doing anything outdoors.