Rochester, N.Y. – September 11, 2010 – The battle for the Golden Flyer Tournament came down to a fight between two nationally ranked foes in Heidelberg University and Juniata College. In the end, Juniata came out on top in three, 25-19, 25-16 and 25-17. It was the second straight year that the Berg made an appearance in the title game. Nazareth College hosted the tournament in Rochester, N.Y.
Heidelberg, ranked 21st in the nation according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), stands at 7-2 overall, while no. 2 ranked Juniata boasts an overall record of 8-0.
For their overall play during the four-match tournament, juniors Venessa Haase (Miamisburg, Ohio / Miamisburg) and Jackie Reinhart (New Riegel, Ohio / New Riegel) were named to the All-Tournament Team.
In the title game, Haase led the way with nine kills and nine digs. Reinhart tallied five kills and was second on the team with 14 digs. Rachel Ferguson (Brighton, Mich. / Brighton) dished out 23 assists and added five digs. Leading the back row was Brittany Donelan (North Olmsted, Ohio / North Olmsted) with 20 digs. Amber Welfle (Norwalk, Ohio / St. Paul) finished with three blocks assists, one solo block and two kills.
The Berg landed a spot in the championship match after sweeping the host Flyers, 25-16, 25-21, 25-17. Heidelberg scored first in all three sets and never looked back en route to the win. Haase led the way with 11 kills, to go along with six digs. Backing Haase was Marian Bevington (Celina, Ohio / Parkway) with nine kills. Ferguson tallied 30 assists, while adding four service aces. Defensively Donelan registered 13 digs.
Heidelberg swept SUNY New Paltz, 25-20, 25-22, 25-16, on Friday afternoon to open up play at the tournament. Haase led the way for the Berg with 11 kills and 10 digs for a double-double. Just missing a double-double was Reinhart with 16 digs and nine kills. Donelan led the defense with 18 digs.
In a night cap last evening, Heidelberg battled Hiram College and overcome late deficits in the first two sets to post a sweep (25-23, 25-23, 25-16). Leading to the win was a solid defensive effort highlighted by Reinhart and Bevington’s four block assists apiece. Haase had a solo block and a block assist, while Jackie Street (Grafton, Ohio / Midview) and Welfle had two block assists each. Solidifying the defensive effort was Donelan and Reinhart with 23 digs apiece.
Offensively, Haase returned and posted 11 kills again. Backing Haase was Reinhart with nine kills. Ferguson dished out 19 assists, to go along with eight digs defensively.