Beacons take two to start Popcorn Classic

VB: Valpo knocks off Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan on Friday

VALPARAISO - Bella Ravotto wasn’t going to lose on Friday night.

Not when Valparaiso was hosting the Popcorn Classic. Not when the Beacons were playing in the Athletics-Recreation Center. Not when Valpo had played in a similar match last weekend against Eastern Illinois and came up short.

Losing was simply not an option for the fifth-year senior. So she didn’t.

Ravotto helped lift the Beacons to victory in a five-set thriller on Friday night as Valparaiso knocked off Eastern Michigan 23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-14, 15-6.

The Mishawaka native had 16 kills, the most she’s had in a match since the 2021 season opener, and a season-high 18 digs.