Women's volleyball clinches first conference win as they finish 1-1 this weekend

St. Louis- Fontbonne women's volleyball were able to pull away with the win against conference foe MacMurray College today in 4 sets (25-15, 23-25, 15-18 and 25-20). Prior to winning against MacMurray, the Griffins fell to Eureka College in 4 sets as well. After the weekend, Fontbonne is now 3-7 overall and 1-2 in SLIAC play.

During the first set against the Eureka Red Devils, the Griffins were falling behind when junior Abbie Bergtholdt hit a hard shot down the line for the kill to tie the set at 12. Fontbonne senior Ana Hibbeler put the first set win on the board (25-23) with a kill when freshman Mandy DeWitt set her perfectly. Fontbonne found their rhythm at the beginning of the second set as Hibbeler served up six straight points for a 6-0 lead. Eureka came from behind to win 22-25 from a pounding kill by senior Kelli Dunne, assisted by junior Emily Campbell. During the fourth set, junior Griffin Taryn Ballmann tipped over the heads of two Red Devils to find the hole in the center of the court to tie the set at 12. Fontbonne trailed the entire third set as Eureka won 22-25. Eureka finished the fourth set 23-25 with a cross-court kill from junior Jacqui Kane, assisted by Campbell.This was Eureka's first conference match.

The Griffins pulled together and their team chemistry prevailed over the MacMurray Highlanders. DeWitt recorded her second solo block of her career during the first set, which fired up everyone, fans and teammates alike. Fontbonne cruised to victory ending with another tip from Ballmann. MacMurray led the majority of the second set as senior middle hitter Taylor Soat finished off the set with a kill. Fontbonne quickly rebounded and defeated the Highlanders 25-18 in the third set. The fourth set was a tight race to 25, but the Griffins prevailed (25-20), winning their first conference match of the season.

Fontbonne recorded 19 total team blocks, 16 service aces, 84 kills, 75 assists, and 137 digs during the two conference matches.

The Griffins continue their homestand hosting Robert Morris College of Peoria Tuesday at 6pm.