There’s no place like home.
After they started the season with 17 games on the road, the Heidelberg University volleyball team returned to Seiberling Gymnasium and defeated Muskingum University, 3-1 (21-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-19).
Senior Marian Bevington (Celina/Parkway) notched 13 kills on the night and became the third player in Heidelberg history to join the 1,200 career kill club.
The Berg, ranked 23rd in the nation, dropped the first set, but roared back to take the next three.
“Our girls were excited to play at home – finally,” said head coach Jason Miller. “We were a bit too amped and Muskingum took advantage.”
In the second set, Heidelberg hit .375 as a team and took control of the match.
“We made a defensive adjustment and we passed the ball a lot better,” said Miller. “That was Heidelberg volleyball.”
The Student Princes took sets three and four, and improved to 13-5 on the season, 2-0 in the OAC.
Amber Welfle (Norwalk/St. Paul) also had 13 kills. Rachel Ferguson (Brighton, MI) had 21 assists and Alexa Frank (Tiffin/Calvert) tallied 19 assists.
Defensively, libero Tessa Benanzer (Fort Loramie) led the team in digs with 27.
Miller was quick to praise freshman Jamie Kluding (Norwalk/Monroeville), who finished with eight kills and nine digs.
“Jamie played well. She was real close to a double-double. She stepped up, big time,” said Miller.
Heidelberg volleyball will return to action on Friday, as they host Marietta College. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.