Heidelberg Continues to Extend Season

The Heidelberg College volleyball was making its 16th appearance in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament when it took the court against Muskingum College tonight. Aside from playing in its home venue for just the second time in 16 trips, was the idea of extending the season farther than any team in the history of the program had. In its previous 15 appearances in the postseason, Heidelberg had not won a match. But that stat is no longer true following the Berg’s 3-1 (30-26, 30-19, 33-31, 30-21) victory over the Muskies.

Head coach Jason Miller was excited for the overall effort that the team, led by his senior class, has put forth the entire year in helping the Berg move into the postseason. “All year long we have talked about putting ourselves in a position to extend our season,” stated Miller. “Tonight the team enjoyed the moment and realized that it was within their reach. The seniors did not want to leave Heidelberg being denied an opportunity to push for a championship.”

Leading the way on the night was Heidelberg’s attack game, which featured three with double-figure kills. Emily Hurlburt (St. Mary’s, Ohio / Memorial) led the way with 14 kills followed by Kelsey Elliott (Ottawa, Ohio / Ottawa-Glandorf) and Whitney Magers (Green Springs, Ohio / Old Fort) with 13 kills apiece. Morgan Magers (Green Springs, Ohio / Old Fort) controlled the offense, dishing out 48 assists, while adding 20 digs for a double-double.

Aside from its attack game, the Berg relied on its serving. In four games, the Berg served 14 aces led by five courtesy of Whitney Magers and three apiece from Brittany Donelan (North Olmsted, Ohio / North Olmsted) and Morgan Magers.

Defensively, Kendra Orwig (Castalia, Ohio / Margaretta) led the way with 36 digs, followed by Kristy Bollenbacher (Huron, Ohio / Huron) with 21.

The win improved Heidelberg to 25-9 overall, while Muskingum closed out the year at 18-10. Heidelberg continues its trip in the postseason in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 3. The semifinals and finals are hosted by No. 1 seed Ohio Northern University. The Berg will face No. 2 seed Mount Union College at 5:00 p.m. Heidelberg is the No. 3 seed.