Whitewater, Wis.-  The Wheaton volleyball team concluded their participation in the UW-Whitewater Invitational on Saturday by dropping a pair of matches against WIAC schools.  The Thunder (0-4) opened the day with a straight sets loss to Wisconsin-Oshkosh before dropping a 3-0 match to the host Warhawks of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

After dropping the first set against UW-Oshkosh by a score of 25-16, Wheaton rallied in the second set but could not complete the comeback and dropped set number two 27-25.  The Titans then held off the Thunder 25-20 in the third set.

Cassie Murphy led the Thunder in digs (14) and assists (13) while Lauren Wilhite also had 13 assists.  Andy DeMoss led the team in kills with eight while Emily Buyse and freshman Madeline Taylor recorded six and five respectively.

Wheaton then wrapped up their weekend against UW-Whitewater, who was ranked #17 in the AVCA preseason top 25.  The Thunder kept it close before dropping the first set 25-21.  Whitewater then rolled in the next two sets winning by scores of 25-12 and 25-15.

Wilhite led the Thunder with 12 assists and Kelli Manning led in the digs category with ten.  Buyse recorded five kills followed by Murphy with four.  Murphy and Megan Thornton each finished with eight digs.


Wheaton will return to action in their home opener at 7 PM on Tuesday night when they take on Lake Forest College at King Arena.