Tigers Cap Perfect Weekend With Wins Over ONU, Heidelberg

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - It wasn't easy, but the Wittenberg Tigers emerged from the Wittenberg Fall Classic with a perfect 3-0 weekend after wrapping things up with Saturday wins over Ohio Northern and Heidelberg.

The victories over the Ohio Athletic Conference powerhouses ran Wittenberg's overall record to 10-1, including a 3-1 win over defending national champion Hope on Friday. The Tigers return to action at NCAC rival Hiram on Friday, Sept. 25.

The day started with a 3-2 come-from-behind decision against Ohio Northern. After the Tigers rallied to win the first set 28-26, ONU appeared to take control by set scores of 25-20 and 27-25. But Wittenberg straightened things out in the fourth frame, winning 25-18, and the Tigers capped the win by making an early lead stand up in a 15-11 fifth set win.

Senior Kara Seidenstricker (London, Ohio/Jonathan Alder) led the offense as usual, pounding 20 kills to go along with 20 digs. Senior Melissa Emming (West Chester, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame) also finished with a double-double of 13 kills and 23 digs.

The leader on defense was senior Kristina Fultz (Batavia, Ohio/Glen Este) with a career-high 32 digs. Up front, junior Emily Kahlig (Coldwater, Ohio/Coldwater) was strong with eight blocks.

Also of note was the play of freshman setter Karen Wildemann (Columbus, Ind./North), who finished with seven kills, 18 digs and 43 assists.

Against Heidelberg, Wittenberg again took the first set, this time by a 25-18 margin, before the Student Princes tied things with a 25-22 decision in Set 2. Wittenberg took control in the third frame 25-14 and held on for the win in the fourth by a 25-23 count.

Seidenstricker led a more balanced offensive attack in the weekend finale with 12 kills and 14 digs. Kahlig was next with 11 kills and a .562 attack percentage, and Emming added another double-double with 10 kills and 16 digs.

Written By: Ryan Maurer