SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—The No. 11 Heidelberg University volleyball team split a pair of matches today in the second of two days of action at Wittenberg University’s Great Lakes Regional Challenge inside Pam Evans Smith Arena at in Springfield, Ohio. The Berg lost to defending NCAA champion and top-ranked Calvin (Mich.) College, 3-1 (25-14, 27-25, 14-25, 25-14), but came back to beat No. 13 Hope (Mich.) College, 3-0 (26-24, 30-28, 25-14).
The split makes ‘Berg 10-2 overall.
Against Calvin, sophomore middle hitter Amber Welfle (Norwalk/St. Paul) led the team in kills with 11, while junior setter Rachel Ferguson (Brighton, Mich./Brighton) had the match-high 20 assists. Leading the way in digs against Calvin was freshman defensive specialist Tessa Benanzer (Fort Loramie) with 17.
Against Hope, the Berg bounced back to gain another win for the weekend. Senior second-team All-OAC outside hitter Venessa Haase (Miamisburg) served up a team-high six aces and Benanzer headed the match with 10 digs. Junior second-team All-OAC middle hitter Marian Bevington (Celina/Parkway) led the team with 14 kills, while sophomore setter Alexa Frank (Tiffin /Calvert) finished the match with 21 assists.
“I am pleased overall, we played some great teams and that just makes us better,” said head coach Jason Miller, “Although we lost to Calvin, playing a team of that caliber will hopefully get us ready for OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) action this week.”
The Berg returns to Tiffin for its second home match of the young season when it opens Ohio Athletic Conference play against Wilmington College at Seiberling Gymnasium at 7 p.m.