Posted: Oct 09, 2010
October 9, 2010
By: Erin Oberly, sports information assistant
RICHMOND, Ind. - The Bluffton University Beavers rolled to victory on Saturday, October 9 when they defeated HCAC foe Earlham College in three sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-15. Each player saw action as the Beavers increased their record to 15-5 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
Leading the attack for Bluffton was junior NICOLE WOOD(Tiffin/Hopewell-Loudon) with seven kills, followed closely by freshman HAILEY PHILLIPS (Malinta/Patrick Henry) with six kills, and senior HEATHER RODMAN (Mansfield/Mansfield Christian) and junior COURTNEY ZIMMERMAN (Leesburg/Fairfield) each with five kills apiece. Senior SHAUNA ROWLAND(Bucyrus/Wynford) connected with hitters for 28 assists. Sophomore HEATHER SCHIERER (Cresent Springs, Ky./St. Henry) also put away five service aces against the Quakers.
The Beaver defense was led by senior MANDI LEEMASTER(Fremont/Old Fort) as she scooped up 14 digs. She was joined by junior JENNA ESHLEMAN (Landisville, Penn./Hempfield) with seven digs and senior ALLISON STREICHER (Continental) with five digs. Rodman led at the net with four block assists.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - In their second match of the day, the Beavers traveled to Wittenberg University to take on non-conference opponent Hiram College. In the second meeting between the two squads this season, Bluffton won in four sets, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-18. With the win, Bluffton now stands at 16-5 overall.
Junior Courtney Zimmerman led the way for Bluffton as she slammed down 14 kills in the effort, followed by junior Nicole Wood and senior Allison Streicher, each contributing 10 kills. Sophomore Heather Schierer rounded off the Beaver offense with nine kills. Senior Shauna Rowland handed out 48 assists on the afternoon, while Schierer and Zimmerman pounded two service aces each against the Terriers.
Defensively, senior Mandi Leemaster led the team in digs with 17, followed by Schierer with 11 and junior Jenna Eshleman with seven digs. Senior Heather Rodman and Schierer also put up two block assists each. Also, freshman RACHEL DUNCAN (Northwood/Lake) scooped up four digs and handed out one service ace against the Terriers.
The Beavers next opponent will be HCAC foe Transylvania University on Friday, October 15 at 7 p.m at home. They then host another conference opponent the following day in Founders Hall when they welcome Hanover College on Saturday, October 16 at 1 p.m.
-BEAVERS-