Schaeffer, Volleyball Take Fourth at Augustana Invitational

Published: April 13, 2021

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. Freshman standout Nicole Schaeffer helped the Panthers earn the fourth spot in the two-day invitational, on her way to claiming tournament MVP honors.

Schaeffer, a 59 OH from Carlyle, Ill., registered 31 kills in Friday-Saturdays four-game set. Both Schaeffer and senior OH Tricia Gall were named to the all-tournament team, with Schaeffer earning tournament MVP. Nine schools participated in the tournament, with Greenville drawing Central, Buena Vista, Cornell College, and host Augustana.

Fridays opening match pitted Greenville College against the Dutch of Central College. Central, a perennial powerhouse, overcame the GC squad 3-1 in a fifth set heartbreaker with a scoring breakdown of 18-25, 22-25, 25-16, 12-25.

In Fridays nightcap the Panthers bounced back blanking Buena Vista 3-0 to pull back to 1-1 in tournament play. The match was tight, going 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 as the women closed the win behind a balanced team attack. Schaeffer, Gall, and sophomore Corinne Coon, combined for 23 kills on 54 attempts.

In final day action Greenville stumbled against Cornell College 0-3. The morning tilt saw GC fall 25-15, 25-19, 25-21 and gave the Panthers a tournament record of 1-2 heading into the teams final match.

Behind a match-high 10 kills from Schaeffer, the visiting Panthers controlled foe Augustana from the outset, showcasing their resolve in Saturdays wrap-up. Greenville took the first two games 25-20 and 25-19, before finishing the hosts off in the final game by a score of 25-10.

We are incredibly proud of the way our women played this weekend, commented head coach Tom Ackerman. The level of competition was outstanding, and we are very happy with our play.

Greenville College volleyball closed the Augustana Invitational with a collective record of 2-2 and earned the overall fourth spot, moving their season record to 3-2.

The Panthers will return to action Wednesday, September 7, as they travel to Terre Haute, Ind. for a night match against Rose Hulman.