October 6, 2010
By: Erin Oberly, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio - In non-conference action, the Bluffton University women's volleyball team fell to No. 15 Heidelberg University in three sets, 25-23, 25-20, 25-15. Heidelberg handed the Beavers their fifth loss of the season (14-5) while the 'Berg moves to 20-3 overall.

Senior SHAUNA ROWLAND (Bucyrus/Wynford) directed the Beaver offense as she handed out 20 assists. She connected with hitters HEATHER RODMAN (Mansfield/Mansfield Christian) and HEATHER SCHIERER (Crescent Springs, Ky./St. Henry), who each had six kills apiece. Juniors NICOLE WOOD (Tiffin/Hopewell-Loudon) and COURTNEY ZIMMERMAN (Leesburg/Fairfield) rounded out the attack with four kills apiece. Seniors ALLISON STREICHER (Continental) and MANDI LEEMASTER (Fremont/Old Fort) also contributed a service ace each on the night.

The Beavers were led in the backcourt by Schierer, who picked up 14 digs, followed by Leemaster with nine digs, Streicher with seven and Rowland with five. Rodman led at the net with three blocks.

Bluffton hits the road this weekend for two contests on Saturday, October 9. They first head to Heartland Conference newcomer Earlham College for a 12 p.m. match in Richmond, Indiana. Then they travel to the campus of Wittenberg University to take on non-conference opponent Hiram College at 4 p.m. The Beavers will return to Founders Hall on Friday, October 15 to take on Transylvania University for their next home match.

-BEAVERS-