Wittenberg Inches Closer To NCAC Title With Win At Earlham
The Wittenberg Tigers moved one step closer to the first of several lofty team goals in 2006 with a 3-0 victory over Earlham on the Quakers home floor.
RICHMOND, Ind. - The Wittenberg Tigers moved one step closer to the first of several lofty team goals in 2006 with a 3-0 victory over Earlham on the Quakers home floor.
Wittenberg won for the eighth straight time to improve to 26-6 overall and 14-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference. The front-running Tigers have two NCAC matches remaining out of four regular season contests slated for this weekend's Wittenberg Fall Classic. A win over Allegheny on Friday would clinch a share of the NCAC regular season title and a win Saturday over nationally ranked Hiram would garner the Tigers their ninth outright crown in the last 10 years.
First things first, however, and that meant taking care of Earlham for a second straight time this season. The Tigers have won all 42 games in NCAC matches this season, including three straight on Wednesday by scores of 30-27, 30-13, 30-11.
Junior outside hitter Jan Kehres (Alliance, Ohio/Alliance) led a balanced Tiger attack, finishing with team-highs of 18 digs and 11 kills. As usual, defense was the catalyst for a strong offense, with junior outside hitter Emily Bell (Fort Wayne, Ind./Concordia Lutheran) added 17 digs, sophomore libero Laura Fender (Toledo, Ohio/St. Ursula) contributing 18 digs and sophomore middle hitter Jessica Kimble (Dennison, Ohio/Claymont) chipped in with four blocks.
In addition, Kimble finished with eight kills and freshman setter Erin Slattery (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) rounded things out with two service aces.