Grand Rapids, Mich. — Day two of the Sturrus Center showcase delivered a statement for Aquinas women's volleyball, as the Saints rallied past perennial power Lindsey Wilson in five sets before sweeping Trinity Christian to cap a 2–0 afternoon at home. With the wins, AQ improves to 9–4 (1–0 WHAC) heading into a rivalry clash with Cornerstone.

Great programs are often measured by high expectations, and people naturally think back to the 2024 Saints squad that dominated the WHAC. But success like that doesn't just show up — it takes hard work, preparation, conditioning, heart, and the willingness to be coached. Just as important, it takes a team growing together, not only as teammates but as family. Weekends like this, filled with grit, rallies, and shared wins, help shape that bond and ensure today's effort becomes tomorrow's success.

Match 1: Aquinas 3, Lindsey Wilson 2 (21–25, 25–23, 25–12, 20–25, 15–8)

The Saints showed grit and resilience in their morning battle with perennial powerhouse Lindsey Wilson, rallying from a set down to claim an emotional five-set win. After dropping the opener 25–21, AQ bounced back in the second with a 25–23 edge, sparked by strong serving runs and clutch kills from senior outside hitter Cece Pelak. That momentum carried into the third frame, where the Saints dominated 25–12 behind steady setting from Natalie West and a balanced offense.

While the Blue Raiders evened the match with a 25–20 win in the fourth, Aquinas saved its best for the decisive fifth. West spread the ball effectively, keeping both pins and middles engaged, and the Saints erupted on an 11–3 run after the changeover to secure the 15–8 victory. Nevaeh Bakker was a difference-maker at the net with 16 kills and seven block assists, while Lauren Chioini added 13 kills at an efficient .303 clip.

Defensively, Bella Hommes anchored the back row with 22 digs, covering every inch of the court to extend rallies and frustrate the Lindsey Wilson attack. Hommes also chipped in two aces, keeping the Raiders off balance. Pelak led the offense with 17 kills and three aces of her own, while West delivered a huge double-double of 49 assists and 14 digs.

As a team, AQ piled up 12.0 total blocks, forcing the visitors into difficult swings. The Saints' ability to defend, transition, and close out pressure points reflected the steady improvement that has marked their early season, as Coach Ryan Campbell's squad earned its signature win of the year to that point.

Match 2: Aquinas 3, Trinity Christian 0 (25–17, 25–22, 25–15)

The afternoon match against Trinity Christian saw the Saints maintain their momentum, this time in the form of a commanding three-set sweep. Aquinas came out sharp in the opening set, jumping to an early lead and riding steady play at the pins to close out a 25–17 win. Pelak and Chioini once again set the tone on the outside, while middle blocker Jenna Lee provided timely offense and steady blocking in the middle.

Set two was more tightly contested, with Trinity Christian pushing AQ to side-out consistently. However, the Saints held their composure late in the frame, as West orchestrated the attack with precision, and Hommes steadied the floor defense. A 25–22 win gave the Saints a 2–0 cushion.

The third set was all Aquinas, as the Saints used aggressive serving and disciplined blocking to roll to a 25–15 finish. Chioini and Pelak tallied 11 kills apiece, with Lee contributing six kills on a .333 hitting percentage. West added 29 assists, while the team piled up 11.0 blocks, highlighted by Megan VanBeek's six block assists and three more from Lee.

Hommes closed her stellar day with 14 digs and two service aces, helping AQ finish the sweep. The Saints' balance was evident — multiple attackers contributed, the defense stayed disciplined, and the serving pressure kept Trinity Christian on its heels. By day's end, Aquinas had gone 2–0 and established itself as a program ready to contend in both conference and national play.

Inside the Numbers

• AQ hit .200 vs. Lindsey Wilson and .191 vs. Trinity Christian.
• The Saints recorded 12.0 team blocks in the first match and 11.0 in the second.
• West totaled 78 assists on the day (49 + 29).
• AQ served up 16 combined aces across the doubleheader.
• Hommes collected 36 digs (22 + 14).
• Pelak (28 kills, 3 aces), Chioini (24 kills), and Bakker (16 kills, 7 block assists) led the offensive charge.

Coach's Comments

Head coach Ryan Campbell praised the group's composure and depth across the long day of volleyball, noting the serving pressure and collective blocking were "difference-makers" in closing time. "We showed a lot of toughness and composure today. Beating a team like Lindsey Wilson in five and then turning around to sweep Trinity Christian says a lot about our depth and how hard these players are competing for each other. Our serving and blocking were difference-makers, and we're starting to see the consistency we've been working toward. We'll enjoy this for a moment, but our focus quickly shifts to Cornerstone — it's always a big match, and I'm excited to see how we respond in that atmosphere."

Up Next

The Saints get a well-earned reset (well a week of hard practices) before an early-season WHAC showdown at crosstown rival Cornerstone. Though it's still September, the rivalry tilt could loom large in the conference race. AQ fans can follow live stats, scores, and recaps at aqsaints.com.

Final Thoughts

Two matches, two wins, and a lot of answers: the Saints showed toughness in five, discipline in the sweep, and a blueprint built on serve-pass, blocking depth, and a quarterback in West who keeps everyone cooking. On to Cornerstone. It was a great week for AQ Women's Volleyball, but I would also like to point out, that all four members of Aquinas Campus Ministry were in attendance for one or the other AQ matches today.  Thank you to Fr. Bob (Fr. Robert Keller, O.P.), Fr. Jordan (Fr. Jordan DeGuire, O.P.) who said the pregame prayer, Sr. Mary Ann (Sr. Mary Ann Barrett) and the always charming Michael Ingram.  I spoke with Fr. Bob and Mike between sets and said how amazing it is that they are the BEST Saint fans.  Yes, I know I can be redundant, but it's a great time to be a Saint!