September 17, 2010
By: Erin Oberly, sports information assistant

DECORAH, Iowa - On their first day of play at the Luther College Invitational, the Bluffton University women's volleyball team split a pair of matches. In their first contest, the Beavers fell to Simpson College in three sets, 28-26, 25-22, 25-16. Then they took on Bethel, winning in three sets, 25-20, 25-17, 30-28. The Beavers now stand 11-2 on the season.

Against Simpson, NICOLE WOOD (Tiffin/Hopewell-Loudon) led all attackers with 10 kills. JENNA ESHLEMAN (Landisville, Penn./Hempfield) and COURTNEY ZIMMERMAN (Leesburg/Fairfield) also contributed eight kills apiece. SHAUNA ROWLAND (Bucyrus/Wynford) dished out 27 assists in the effort.

Leading the way defensively was Rowland with 15 digs, Eshleman had 11, and HEATHER SCHIERER (Crescent Springs, Ky./St. Henry) contributed 10. Rowland and Schierer  each added one service ace apiece.

In their match with Bethel, Eshleman dominated offensively with her 14 kills, while Wood tallied eight kills of her own. Zimmerman also slammed down five kills while Rowland directed the front line with 27 assists.

ALLISON STRIECHER (Continental) led the team in digs with 13, followed by Schierer with 12, and Rowland with 11. Schierer also slammed down three service aces.

The Beavers continue their play in Iowa Saturday morning as they compete against #14 St. Thomas at 9 a.m. and host Luther College at 1 p.m.

-BEAVERS-