GOSHEN, Ind. - In their final home match of the season, the Goshen women's volleyball team fell to Marian, a team receiving votes in the NAIA coaches poll. The Knights won the Senior Day match 29-27, 25-22, 25-20. Goshen seniors Kassidy Faler, Sydney Stutsman and Brenna Spangler were recognized before the match, and Faler was given the Hannah Grieser Hochstetler Memorial Award.

Marian had a set point at 24-23 in the first set but Goshen stayed alive and went up 26-25. The teams traded points again, but Marian won the last three points in the end and prevailed, despite Goshen's two set points. The teams were tied 20-20 in the second set and Goshen was within one at 23-22 but Marian pulled away at the end yet again.

The Knights led 6-0 and then 17-12 in the third, but Goshen scored four points in a row, led by a couple of aces from Kelsie Hankins during that stretch. Marian responded to the run and ended up returning to their five-point lead by the end of the set.

Senior Brenna Spangler had six blocks in the match, which puts her at 270 for her career and in a tie for the tenth-most in school history with Melanie Meyer ('15). Carmin Corey's 11 kills were her second-highest total in a match this season. Alaina Wolfe had 16 digs, tied for the most she has had in a conference match this year.

Goshen led in the blocks category 12-5. The 12 blocks were their second-most this season and most in a Crossroads League match since October 4, 2023 against Saint Francis. GC led in aces 10-7. The ten aces are their second-most across their 17 league matches this season.

With the Saint Francis loss to Bethel today, Goshen is locked for the ninth-place spot in the Crossroads League standings, one spot from making the league tournament. Goshen finishes the season on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00 pm at #8 Indiana Wesleyan.

Here is what was said about the senior before the match:

Fans, we would now like to recognize our 2025 women's volleyball seniors. These three seniors have lived full lives of faith, unity, learning, and leadership during their time as Goshen College student-athletes. Today, we would like to individually acknowledge their careers. While their remaining matches are coming to a close, their legacies are cemented into the history of Goshen College, and they will forever be Maple Leafs.

Please direct your attention to the court where we are joined by head coach Jeff Phillips.

First to be recognized is #3, Kassidy Faler! Kassidy is from Pioneer, Ohio, and is being escorted by her parents Destini and Doug Faler. She is a double major in secondary education and biology. After college, she will be getting married and moving to Huntington to teach eighth-grade science. Faler has 902 digs and 43 aces across 113 matches as a Maple Leaf. Coach Phillips says, "Kassidy has been a spark plug for us for her entire career. She has done everything she has been asked to do and done it with enthusiasm, leadership, and energy. She brings a positive attitude to everything she does and has endured through injuries as well. She has never complained but always worked as hard as possible.  We will miss her in our gym next year." Thank you, Kassidy!

Next up is #14, Sydney Stutsman! Sydney is from Goshen and is being escorted by her parents Chad and Danielle. She is an environmental and marine science major. She plans to travel abroad upon graduation and work in marine science for a couple of years before deciding to go to grad school for marine biology or settling down with a full-time job. Sydney has racked up 1,111 assists and 53 aces over 64 matches, including averaging 0.38 aces per set this season - the fifth-best in the Crossroads League. Coach Phillips says, "Sydney went through so much to get back on the court this year. Achieving her 1,000th assist is a testament to both her talent and her strength. Throughout this journey, she has grown so much as a player, teammate, and person. She never gave up, and that is an excellent example of how things may not follow the path you want, but you can cut a new path with courage and commitment. I am so proud of her!" Thank you, Sydney!

Last but not least is #18, Brenna Spangler! Brenna is from Waterloo, Indiana, and is being escorted by her parents Brett and Marilee Spangler, her brother Brycen, and her nephew Wilson. She is a nursing major and plans on entering the nursing field somewhere in the in-patient setting for a few years before returning to school for her master's. Across 122 matches, Brenna has 65 solo blocks, 199 block assists, 171 digs, 350 kills and 52 aces. Coach Phillips says, "Brenna is so consistent and composed as both a player and a person. She brings the same work ethic and attitude no matter the situation. She exemplifies the mental game that I want our younger players to try to match. She has modeled a standard of work that I believe represents Goshen women's volleyball and our goals for the future. I wish her the best of luck!"

Now please help me give one last round of applause for your 2025 women's volleyball seniors!

Here is what was said about the Hannah Grieser Hochstetler Memorial Award between the second and third sets:

Leafs fans, at this time, we would like to take a moment to honor both a former Goshen volleyball player and a current member of this year's team.

Hannah Grieser was a volleyball player at Goshen in the class of 2013.  Sadly, in 2017, Hannah passed away in a car accident while traveling through Virginia with her husband, Caleb. They were on their way back to Jackson, Mississippi, where they led a Service Adventure unit as part of the Mennonite Mission Network of young adults doing voluntary service. To honor her legacy, the Hannah Grieser Hochstetler Memorial Award was created.

The award states, "Hannah is remembered for her bright smile, attentive listening, and warm hugs that demonstrated her compassion for others.  She enjoyed contributing to the volleyball team and was a true team player, fierce competitor, friend, and role model.  Above all, Hannah was passionate about living her faith and sharing her love of Christ with everyone.  She is fondly remembered and greatly missed by those who knew her."  

Her parents, Michael and Beth Grieser, will now present this year's award to a player who represents hard work as a team player with a positive attitude and spreads love and compassion throughout the volleyball program.  

This year's recipient is Kassidy Faler.