Posted: Oct 27, 2009
October 27, 2009
By: Erin Neal, sports information assistant
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Bluffton University Beavers increased their winning streak to 11 straight after their four-set victory at Adrian College on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009. The Beavers took down the Bulldogs 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-20). They now stand at 21-5 overall and 5-0 in the Heartland Conference.
Leading the way for the Beavers was sophomore outside JENNA ESHLEMAN (Landisville, Penn./Hempfield). She notched her 12th double-double of the season as she slammed down 18 kills and picked up a career-high 23 digs. NICOLE WOOD (Tiffin/Hopewell Loudon) knocked down 14 kills on the night, followed by 10 from junior opposite ALLISON STREICHER (Continental). Junior setter SHAUNA ROWLAND (Bucyrus/Wynford) anchored the offensive effort as she dished out 43 assists.
The Beavers also had a standout defensive performance in the victory. Rowland dug up 18 balls, followed by senior libero BRITTANY ROTH (Findlay) with 16 digs of her own. Streicher contributed 11 digs, and KAYLA PICKERING(Jamestown/Greenview) added five digs. Sophomore middle COURTNEY ZIMMERMAN (Leesburg/Fairfield) dominated at the net with six block assists while Wood slammed four block assists. Sophomore serving specialist MANDI LEEMASTER (Fremont/Old Fort) rifled two aces against the Bulldogs.
Prior to the match, the Beaver junior varsity squad defeated the Adrian reserves in two sets. With the win the JV completed its schedule for the season, finishing at an undefeated 7-0 on the year. The Beavers only dropped one set in their seven contests, an impressive feat that demonstrates the improvement and depth of the Bluffton volleyball program.
The Beavers have a busy weekend ahead of them, as they return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to compete in a tri-match with Rose-Hulman and Illinois College. Their first contest with HCAC foe RHIT (19-10, 4-2 HCAC) is slated for a 2 p.m. start. Immediately following, they will take on non-conference opponent Illinois College (9-14) at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, they travel to Defiance where Bluffton will compete against HCAC opponent Franklin College at 3:30 p.m. To round out the 2009 regular season, the Beavers host conference rival Defiance College in Founders Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. The Beavers will depend on their Bluffton faithful as the theme of the night will be 'Black Out Defiance'. Tuesday evening's match will also be Senior Night, as seniors Brittany Roth, MICHELE ROSEN (Harrison) and BRITTANY DUFF (Wapakoneta) will be honored prior to the start of the contest.
-BEAVERS-