Tough Foes Top Rose-Hulman Volleyball at Millikin

DECATUR, ILL. -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology fell to two nationally ranked teams and two solid Midwestern foes at the Millikin University Volleyball Invitational this weekend.

On Friday, Alma topped the Engineers 30-27, 30-14, 30-28, before No. 10 ranked Central won by a 30-15, 30-16, 30-16 count in the nightcap.  On Saturday, No. 17 Calvin topped the Engineers 30-12, 30-14, 30-20, before Illinois College claimed a 30-19, 27-30, 30-24, 30-27 win to close the invite.

On Friday, freshman Kate Sernett (Crystal Lake, Ill./Marian Central Catholic) led the defense with 13 digs, and junior Sarah Messmer (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) added seven against Central. 

In the Alma match, sophomore Brandi Sturgill (Zionville, N.C./Watauga) had 26 assists to lead Rose-Hulman.  Juniors Amanda Fellows (Beavercreek, Ohio) and Erin Rumley (Portage/Christian) had eight kills each, and freshman Erin Parker (Germantown, Tenn.) recorded a career-high five blocks.

On Saturday, Sturgill had a well rounded performance of 19 digs, two aces, two blocks and 18 assists against Calvin.  Fellows had eight kills, Sernett added 12 digs and junior Katie Tharp (Linton) pitched in seven kills.

In the finale, Sturgill had 43 assists to lead the Engineer offense.  Messmer added 15 kills and four solo blocks, Parker pitched in with 11 kills and three blocks, and Tharp had six solo blocks.  Sophomore Katie Wolber (Brookville/Franklin County) added a team-high three service aces.

Rose-Hulman hosts Anderson University in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Tuesday at 7 p.m.  The Engineers then host DePauw in the 2006 home finale on Thursday at Hulbert Arena.

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