Grand Rapids Christian outlasted East Kentwood HS in each team's first conference game on Wednesday night, winning a thriller 25-11, 21-25, 19-17. The Eagles came out playing their best volleyball of the young season in Set #1, surging to an early lead behind a punishing offensive effort by outside hitter Alex Nelson (3 kills, 0 hitting errors, and 3 service aces). The Falcons of East Kentwood responded with a much-improved performance in Set #2, and the Eagles offense cooled, as East Kentwood tied the match at one set apiece. Grand Rapids Christian fell behind early in the deciding Set #3, before a big block by senior captain Max Michael and some clutch swings by junior Constantine Kim helped the Eagles claw their way back. The set concluded with numerous back-and-forth momentum shifts; each team had multiple match points before Grand Rapids Christian ultimately prevailed. For the match, Nelson tallied 7 kills. Kim added 5 kills and 3 aces, and Sophomore setter Eli Wise joined the offensive party with 4 kills and 2 aces. The Eagles are next in action on Friday night at Holland Christian High School for a non-conference matchup at 7:00.