Emory Stops Heidelberg Winning Streak at 13

The Heidelberg College volleyball team, led by head coach Jason Miller, entered the Emory University National Invitational in Atlanta, Ga. with a record of 11-1, having not lost a match since their first match of the season against nationally ranked Calvin College. Unfortunately for the Tricolor, their winning streak would end at 13 in the last round of the invitational.

The Berg started off its weekend on Friday by beating Washington and Lee in five games in a come from behind victory (25-30, 27-30, 30-26, 30-24, 15-13), and later that evening the women easily defeated Maryville in three (30-26, 30-17, 30-11). Saturday morning arrived and so did another easy victory against Piedmont, whom they also beat in three games (30-11, 30-15, 30-15). In the last round, however, No. 4 Emory got the best of the women and the Berg suffered their second loss of the season in three games (30-17, 30-18, 30-18).

Middle hitters Emily Hurlburt (St. Mary's, Ohio / Memorial) and  Laurie Patrick (Bellevue, Ohio / Bellevue) were named to the all-tournament team for their performances over the weekend.

In the first game against Washington and Lee, Morgan Magers (Green Springs, Ohio / Old Fort) led the team with a weekend high 37 assists and five blocks, while Kendra Orwig (Castalia, Ohio / Margaretta) picked up 29 digs. Hurlburt led the team hitting-wise with 13 kills.

Against Maryville, Kristy Bollenbacher (Huron, Ohio / Huron) and Whitney Magers (Green Springs, Ohio / Old Fort) each produced two service aces for the Berg, while Whitney Magers and Audra Vucic (Lancaster, Ohio / Fisher Catholic) led the team with eight kills each. Vucic, along with Patrick, recorded four blocks as well.

Facing Piedmont, Bollenbacher racked up seven service aces for the Tricolor. Patrick led the team with seven kills, while Orwig got under the ball for 19 digs.

In their last match against Emory, Morgan Magers was able to serve for three aces, but only recorded 14 assists. Patrick helped the team out with three kills and Tracy Sutter (Miamisburg, Ohio / Miamisburg) dug the ball 10 times, but it just was not enough to lead the Berg to their 14th win.

Heidelberg returns to Ohio and to the competition of the Ohio Athletic Conference when they travel to Muskingum Tuesday Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m.