By Brittany Roth, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/athletics/volleyball/2013/09-06-v1.htm

The Beavers have put their first notch in the 2013 win column. After a long bus ride to Illinois Wesleyan University, the girls had some down time before playing their first match of the tournament against Illinois College on Friday, Sept. 6.

After coming from behind in the first set, Bluffton defeated Illinois College 25-17. The Beavers were neck-and-neck with Illinois throughout the second set but came out on top, winning by just two points (25-23). In the third set the Beavers started out on top, but then allowed Illinois to come back for the 30-28 victory. Bluffton took exception with the third set result and decided to make a statement in the fourth and final, downing the Lady Blues 25-14.

Leading the Beavers' offense was Brooke Ruffer (Stryker) with 34 assists. MacKenzie McFarlin (Ashland) had 11 kills and was followed by Kendra Parmenter (Grove City) with 10 putaways. Lauren Weisgarber (Bolivar/Tuscarawas Valley) dominated the net with a solo block and four block assists. Headlining the defense was freshman Marissa Krier (Massillon/Central Christian) with 21 digs.