By Bill Hanefeld Jr., interim sports information director
September 24, 2005

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University (10-8, 0-0 HCAC) volleyball team extended their winning streak to six games on Saturday, September 24 before Westminster (Pa.) knocked Bluffton into the consolation match at the Ohio Wesleyan tournament. The Beavers finished the tournament with a 2-2 record which was good for fourth place. 

The Beavers opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory over host school Ohio Wesleyan by scores of 30-27, 30-28 and 30-22. CHELSEA WYSE (Fr. Archbold, OH) led Bluffton with 16 digs while KERI KUHLMAN (Sr. Shelby, OH) paced the hitters with seven kills.

On Saturday Bluffton extended its' win streak to six matches when it dominated Lake Erie College 3-0 by scores of 30-14, 30-20 and 30-27. Keri Kuhlman knocked down 11 kills to spur the Beavers on. BRITTANY SCHULTZ (Jr. Hudson, IN) recorded four aces during the match. MARIEL NASH (So. Loudonville, OH) was a force at the net as she had eight kills and five blocks on her way to being named to the All-tournament team. Defensive specialist KATIE MOORE (Jr. Bucyrus, OH) led Bluffton with 13 digs.

Westminster exacted revenge on the Beavers for an early season loss by knocking Bluffton into the consolation round by a match score of 3-0. Bluffton dropped the tight match by scores of 30-28, 38-36 and 30-20. Keri Kuhlman had an impressive afternoon at the net as she hit at a .293 clip, led the Beavers with 15 kills and had 11 digs. Chelsea Wyse posted 17 digs to lead Bluffton defensively.

In the consolation finals the Beavers ran into a talented Denison squad and were defeated 3-0 by scores of 30-17, 30-21 and 30-21. KALLA AESCHLIMAN (So. Wauseon, OH) led Bluffton with ten kills while Chelsea Wyse recorded 11 of her team high 53 tournament digs.

The Beavers return home to face Mount St. Joseph in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference match-up on Tuesday, September 27 in Founders Hall. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM.