Three-set win for Harper at Rock Valley

A team in need of finding some consistency sure got some of the right kind on Tuesday in Rockford.

The Harper College women’ volleyball team, ranked No. 6 in the nation, came away with a 25-13, 28-26, 27-25 win over No. 5 Rock Valley College in North Central Community College Conference play.

The Hawks led the Golden Eagles by as many as 7 points (at 17-10) in the first set thanks to a combined 8 points from Melina Villaber and sohpmore Veronica Dabrowski (Rolling Meadows). Lindsey Murphy set the tone for Harper, doling out 13 assists for Harper, which did not commit a single hitting error in the first set.

DePauw University transfer Alex Messner lead the way offensively in the second set as the Fremd grad pounded 6 kills.

Villaber’s monster night continued in the second set. The freshman added 14 kills to go along with 13 digs for the set, and defensive specialist Katie Spychala (Elk Grove) had 8 digs. The second set was tied 5 times, including the final 5 points of the set.

In the deciding set, the Hawks’ full attack was on display.

Murphy, who finished with 40 assists, had 9 third-set digs and Madison Rodriguez (Palatine) had 3 kills.

The Hawks led 22-18 before Rock Valley rallied to tie at 25-25 before Harper pulled out the victory.

“The ball bounced very favorably for us the whole match, and we didn’t give much away,” Harper coach Bob Vilsoet said. “I have to say, we played about as well as we can play, especially defensively.”