PICTURED ABOVE: Ashley Torok had 17 assists in Tuesday's match

Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder volleyball team opened CCIW play on Tuesday night at home as Wheaton hosted #15-ranked Elmhurst College (13-5, 1-0 CCIW). The Bluejays picked up the 3-0 as the guests won the first set 25-15, and earned a 26-24 victory in the second set. Elmhurst closed out the match with a 25-19 win in the third set.

The first set was tied at 5-5 when the Bluejays rattled off four straight points for a 9-5 lead and Elmhurst never trailed in the set after that, earning the 25-15 victory.

Wheaton took and early 7-5 lead in the second set, however, the Bluejays rallied to take a 17-15 lead. Neither team led by any more than two points over the next 15 points. Wheaton led 23-22, however, Elmhurst scored the next two points to take a 24-23 advantage. Wheaton tied the set at 24-24, but Elmhurst scored the next two points to earn the 26-24 win.

Elmhurst jumped out to a 13-7 lead in the third set and maintained an advantage on its way to the 25-19 victory.

Junior Shelby Knowles led the Thunder with eight kills and she added eight digs. Freshman Sydney Vischer tallied eight kills with eight digs. Setter Ashley Torok distributed 17 assists, Kelli Manning led the Thunder with 16 digs and freshman Jessica Bosse had 13 digs.

Head coach Brittany Smith noted following the match, "I felt like we missed a major opportunity to showcase what we have been able to do this year." She continued, "I felt like Elmhurst came in with confidence as a winning program. They were ready to play and knew that they needed to win this match. They did a great job of executing their game plan." Smith concluded, "I think that our players were prepared for what they were going to see, but did not play as if they were prepared."

Wheaton (5-11, 0-1 CCIW) will host the Wheaton Invitational in King Arena this Friday and Saturday. The Thunder will face Dubuque at 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the opening day of the tournament.