Eureka spoils volleyball senior night

Oct. 28, 2011- The Fontbonne University women's volleyball team lost to the Eureka Red Devils in four sets Friday night 22-25, 30-28, 14-25 and 23-25. Fontbonne is now 4-20 overall and 4-11 in conference.

Senior Ana Hibbeler gave the Griffins the lead in each of the first two sets, trying to tally a win during the final home match of her career. Hibbeler finished the night with a team high 26 digs, including an outstanding pancake dig that took the crowd by surprise during the third set.

Trailing by four, it appeared the Red Devils were claiming their second set in a row after they took on an eight run rally during the middle of the second set for a score of 15-19. But the Griffins weren't about to give up as they combated four points to tie the set 21 all. Following five more ties, Fontbonne was able to win over Eureka 30-28.

The Griffins seemed out of sync during the third set as they lost 14-25. After taking a 2-0 lead, Eureka rebounded with a 10-0 run and never looked back. Fontbonne found their niche during the fourth set and were leading 13-7 at one point, but after multiple errors, the Red Devils pulled off the 23-25 victory.

Junior Olivia Thurmond helped the offensive swing with 14 assists on the night as sophomore Abbie Bergtholdt drilled down 10 kills for the Griffins. Sophomore Cassie Dougherty upped her blocking talent by producing four blocking assists.

Fontbonne plays Saturday, October 29th against Stephens College at 3:00pm in Columbia, Missouri.