Hammond, Ind. – The Parkside Rangers lost both of their opening matches in the 2024 Midwest Crossover Tournament, falling in four sets to Hillsdale and Rockhurst. Despite battling hard and stealing a set in each match, the Rangers have now lost six straight.
GAME ONE
Inside the box score:
How it happened:
Hillsdale, entering the match atop the GLVC, made a strong statement in the first set. They led for most of the set and set the tone in the early morning match. However, the Rangers proved they were ready to compete. With six kills from Sam Fisch in the second set, the Rangers found themselves in a position to even up the match. Despite surrendering an 18-14 lead, Parkside edged out Hillsdale in a thrilling second set, 28-26. Lindsay Krznarich secured the final point on a perfectly executed slide play, with Karlee Lois orchestrating the attack.
The Rangers continued to battle in the third set, even leading 17-14 after a productive serving run from Lily Ray, which included an ace. However, Hillsdale stormed back, took the lead, and never looked back, winning the third set 25-20. They then dominated the fourth set 25-13, with Parkside hitting in the negative, sealing the Rangers' first loss of the weekend.
GAME TWO
Inside the box score:
How it happened:
In their second match of the day, the Rangers faced their first G-MAC opponent of the weekend, Rockhurst. After surviving a five-set thriller against Hillsdale, Rockhurst managed to defeat Parkside as well. However, the match started differently for both teams. The Rangers jumped out to steal the first set, with a 3-0 lead fueled by a pair of kills from Elizabeth Truckenbrod. The set was highly competitive, and late in the frame, Parkside trailed 20-18. After a Rockhurst attack error, the Rangers sent Marisa Lootens to the service line, where she delivered four consecutive aces during an eight-point streak, propelling Parkside to a 25-20 victory.
Despite the electrifying start, the Rangers were unable to secure another set and ultimately fell in four sets. The fourth set was another back-and-forth affair, but Parkside struggled to find the momentum and missed the timely attacks they desperately needed.
Next:
The Rangers will play one more match in the 2024 Midwest Crossover Tournament tomorrow. Their opponent is yet to be determined. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
