October 16, 2010
By: Erin Oberly, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - Getting back on the winning track, the Bluffton University women’s volleyball team found momentum late in the fourth set to pull off a victory over conference foe Hanover College. The Beavers defeated Hanover in four sets, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 26-24. With the win the Beavers move to 17-6 overall and 4-2 in HCAC play. Hanover falls to 13-10 overall and 2-4 in the conference.
Directing the attack for Bluffton was senior Shauna Rowland (Bucyrus/Wynford) as she handed out 47 assists. She connected with sophomore Heather Schierer (Crescent Springs, Ky./St. Henry) who slammed down a career-high 18 kills. Schierer was followed by juniors Courtney Zimmerman (Leesburg/Fairfield) and Nicole Wood (Tiffin/Hopewell-Loudon) as they contributed a solid 12 kills apiece. Sophomore Brooke Distel (Carey) rifled three service aces in the winning effort.
The Beavers played a stellar defensive match, led by senior Mandi Leemaster (Fremont/Old Fort) who scooped up 21 digs to match her career high. Rowland and Schierer completed their double-doubles for the day as they also had 11 digs each. Rowland and senior Heather Rodman (Mansfield/Mansfield Christian) also had one solo block apiece.
The Beavers return to the hardwood next week when they travel to Wilmington College for a non-conference match-up with the Quakers on Wednesday, October 20. Start time is slated for 7 p.m.
-BEAVERS-
