The Bluffton University volleyball team had visions of handing Coach Yarnell his first-ever victory over Heidelberg University when the Beavers traveled to Tiffin on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

A solid 25-18 showing in the lidlifter gave the visitors hope before Heidelberg returned to form and made quick work of Bluffton during the next three sets (25-18, 25-13, 25-17). Bluffton slipped to 8-12 on the season, while Heidelberg improved to 8-9 overall.

Bluffton controlled set one from the outset, opening up a 22-12 lead before Heidelberg made the final respectable with six of the last nine points.

The second set saw Heidelberg go up 11-4 before Bluffton pulled within 18-17 late. However, the Beavers managed just one more point as Heidelberg returned the favor with a 25-18 win.

The final result was never in doubt the rest of the way as the Student Princes kept Bluffton off balance in sets three and four. The Beavers put together multiple serves just twice in each of the final two sets as Heidelberg cruised to victory.

Sophomore Jenny Brown (St. Marys/Memorial) and freshman Lauren Weisgarber (Bolivar/Tuscarawas Valley) were impressive at the net, pounding 12 and 11 kills, repectively.

Sophomore Brooke Ruffer (Stryker) and freshman Adrienne Shepard (Arlington) also showed their mettle at the net with nine and seven kills, respectively. Ruffer handed out a team-high 22 assists, while fellow sophomore Sara Roth (Findlay/Van Buren) added 15 helpers.

Brown and Kendra Parmenter (Grove City) were both in on a pair of blocks for the Beavers. Senior Hailey Phillips (Malinta/Patrick Henry) and freshman MacKenzie McFarlin (Ashland) picked up 16 and 11 digs to pace the Bluffton defense.

The Beavers delve into Heartland Conference action this Saturday, Oct. 5, when they travel to Terre Haute, Ind., to battle the Rose-Hulman Fightin' Engineers. The first serve is slated for 5 p.m.