Grand Rapids, MI — Early in the season, a good team that is also very young will have some learning to do, and some growing pains are likely. For the AQ Women's Volleyball Team, 2025 is a work in progress, but as the coffee continues to brew, the aroma is very positive, teasing you for a great cup of Joe. You can just tell this team is going to percolate into one of the top squads in the WHAC. With a break here and there, this group could even be NAIA nationals-bound. But for now, the Saints are taking it one challenge at a time — from big wins like Wednesday's sweep at Siena Heights, to Friday night's doubleheader at the Sturrus, where AQ split matches against two tough opponents.

Match 1: Aquinas 3, Olivet Nazarene 0 (25–16, 25–9, 25–21)

Aquinas opened the day with a statement sweep, looking sharp from the first serve to the final point. The Saints built momentum early behind the powerful swings of Lauren Chioini, who hammered down 15 kills on a blistering .500 hitting percentage. Her consistency on the outside made it difficult for the Tigers to find any defensive rhythm.

While Chioini was dominant, the Saints got key contributions from across the lineup. Cece Pelak added eight kills and chipped in four digs, showing her versatility, while Michelle Domey was efficient with three kills on just ten swings. Nevaeh Bakker also provided a spark at the net, recording four kills and helping on a pair of blocks.

The setters kept the offense moving smoothly. Taylor Reha distributed 20 assists while adding three service aces, and Natalie West tallied nine assists in her time running the attack. Defensively, libero Bella Hommes was steady in the back row with 11 digs, while Jeralyn Hoppes chipped in with two kills, eight digs, and three assisted blocks.

By the end of the match, Aquinas had hit .330 as a team and looked in control throughout. The sweep not only showcased the Saints' offensive firepower but also highlighted their improving balance between the front line and back row.

Match 2: Cumberland 3, Aquinas 2 (25–14, 25–23, 24–26, 16–25, 20–18)

The nightcap turned into a marathon battle. After falling behind two sets to none, Aquinas stormed back to even the match and force a decisive fifth set. The comeback was powered by another strong outing from Chioini, who matched her earlier performance with 16 kills, and Bakker, who hit .378 while also adding three block assists.

Pelak came alive in the middle sets, finishing with 13 kills and 16 digs, while Domey contributed 10 kills and anchored the block. Hommes was the heartbeat of the defense, collecting a match-high 32 digs, constantly keeping rallies alive and frustrating Cumberland's attackers.

In the setter rotation, Reha guided the offense with 19 assists and eight digs, while West added 27 assists and eight digs of her own. The two combined for 46 assists and helped stabilize the team during its comeback run. Hoppes was again active defensively with five digs and two blocks, showing her value as a steady two-way presence.

Although the Saints dropped the decisive fifth set 20–18, their ability to rally back from a two-set deficit showed grit and growth. Aquinas hit .185 for the match but managed to outlast Cumberland in long rallies, pushing the contest to the very end. It was another reminder that this young team is learning how to compete under pressure and rise to the occasion.

Inside the Numbers

• Chioini: 31 kills across the two matches (.361 hitting)
• Bakker: 20 kills and six blocks on the day
• Pelak: 21 kills and 20 digs combined
• Domey: 13 kills across both matches
• Hommes: 43 digs over two matches
• Reha & West: 66 combined assists in setter rotation
• Hoppes: Contributed 5 kills, 13 digs, and 5 blocks total

Coaches' Comments

The split moved Aquinas to 7–3 on the year, their second straight weekend game day finishing 1–1 in tournament play. After the Cumberland match, head coach Ryan Campbell praised his team's fight:

"We're still learning how to close out big points, but I'm proud of the way our group responded after dropping the first two sets. To come back and push a very good team to the brink shows the character of this roster. These are the kinds of battles that will make us better when we get deeper into WHAC play."

Up Next

The Saints won't have much time to reflect, as they return to action on Saturday with back-to-back matches against Lindsey Wilson (1:00 pm) and Trinity Christian (3:00 pm). Both contests, along with the 11:00 am neutral match-up between Lindsey Wilson and Trinity Christian, will be streamed live on the AQSaints YouTube Network https://www.youtube.com/live/lx_drSJTNiY?si=ZzRYke3BySoHAZvq, with Joey Sutherlin on the call. Fans can also follow along with live stats, scores, and recaps at aqsaints.com.

Final Thoughts

As noted at the top, this AQ squad is young but full of potential. Coach Campbell will keep working to refine and condition his team, and the talent is already shining through. On a personal note, it was exciting and entertaining to be back behind the mic streaming AQ athletics — Saturday should bring plenty more fun moments, including a Joey's Wacky World of AQ Sports feature. So make your way to the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center and show that Saint spirit. And if volleyball isn't enough, AQ Men's Rugby also hosts its home opener at 4:30 pm at Forest Hills Central, streaming live on AQSaints.com via watch live. Either way, it's a great weekend to be a Saint.