GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Rise have been in a groove lately winning four of their last five games. Much of their recent success can be seen due in large part to the play of outside hitter Erika Pritchard.
The 24-year-old has only played in seven of the team's 19 matches this season as she has been recovering from an ACL injury.
"She is phenomenal and I am so glad she is on this team," Rise setter Ashley Evans said. "She is healthy coming back from ACL last year. She has just worked her butt off and I am just so proud to be her teammate and to put her in great positions to do great things."
However, in the last two games, Pritchard has been able to put up at least 10 points in both contests. She's only hit that mark three times total in her seven games.
"I know how good she can be and what she can do," Rise head coach Cathy George said. "She can really take over matches. Erika has worked her butt off. I knew that she would. I knew that about her character that she would be able to get into the mix this year."
Pritchard is feeling a lot better and that her best volleyball is ahead of her.
"I just want to do as much as I can in the moment," Pritchard said. "I feel like my team is so supportive and I just want to do everything I can to help the team."
Pritchard and the Rise will be back on the road on Friday night to take on the Omaha Supernovas.