September 3, 2016
By: Samantha Granger, sports information assistant

ELMHURST, Ill. - On day two of the Elmhurst Volleyball Invitational, Bluffton University opened with the #14 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks. The Beavers came out flat in set one, dropping a 25-18 decision. The buck stopped there, however, as Bluffton came to life in a hurry, taking the next three sets with a vengeance (25-21, 25-19, and 30-28).

The two seniors paced the Beavers offensively as Lauren Weisgarber (Bolivar/Tuscarawas Valley) and MacKenzie McFarlin (Ashland) controlled the action with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Junior Becca Tourney (Columbia City.Ind/Columbia City) chipped in with eight spikes. Sophomore Erin Weisgarber  (Bolivar/Tuscarawas Valley) motored the offense with 38 assists and 12 digs. Abby Rohrbach (New Knoxville) led the Beavers defensively with 16 digs, while Sydney Mohler (Lima/Central Catholic) added 13 pickups. Bethany Martini (Pickerington/North) rifled six aces and came up with 11 digs for the Beavers in their win over #14 Whitewater.

After a short break Bluffton took the court to face 18th-ranked Elmhurst College. The Beavers again started slowly, falling 25-12 in the lidlifter. The Beavers were unable to match Elmhurst, dropping the next two sets (25-16 and 25-20).

Bluffton was paced offensively by Lauren Weisgarber and Bethany Martini with five kills each. Erin Weisgarber dished out 19 assists. MacKenzie McFarlin finished with a team-high four digs.

After a long but rewarding weekend, the Beavers are 3-1 on the season. Bluffton returns to action at Ohio Wesleyan on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The first serve is slated for 7 p.m. in Delaware.

-BEAVERS-