TIFFIN, Ohio—Hours after receiving the nod as the No. 8-ranked team in the nation by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the Heidelberg University volleyball team swept Ohio Athletic Conference foe Wilmington College (25-12, 25-14, 25-13) tonight at Seiberling Gymnasium in Tiffin, Ohio in the league opener for both teams. A total of 20 student-athletes saw action for the Berg.
The win improves Heidelberg to 11-2 overall and 1-0 in the OAC. Wilmington falls to 7-8 overall and 0-1 in the OAC.
Additionally, Heidelberg extended its winning streak against conference opponents to 13 matches and is riding an 11-match win streak in regular season conference play dating back to 2009.
The offensive attack featured six players with five or more kills, led by junior outside hitter Marian Bevington (Celina/Parkway)—who yesterday was named OAC player of the week—junior right side hitter Jacki Street (Grafton/Midview) and senior outside hitter Venessa Haase (Miamisburg), all of whom tallied eight kills apiece. Bevington also led all players at the net with six total blocks.
Junior setter Rachel Ferguson (Brighton, Mich./Brighton) and sophomore setter Alexa Frank (Parma/Valley Forge) guided the offense with 15 assists and 14 assists, respectively.
Senior reigning OAC player of the year Jackie Reinhart (New Riegel) led the defense with seven digs. Reinhart also tallied six kills and is approaching 1,000 kills for her career.
The Berg next plays Saturday, Sept. 24 in a doubleheader against league rival Otterbein University at noon and Columbus State at 2 p.m. Both matches will be played at the Rike Center in Westerville, Ohio.