Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Thunder volleyball team closed out its three-match weekend trip to Michigan on Saturday with a pair of matches at Calvin University's Midwest Invitational. University of Mount Union defeated the Thunder 3-1 in today's opening match. The Knights of Calvin also picked up a 3-1 victory against Wheaton.

In the first match on Saturday, Mount Union defeated the Thunder 3-1. The Purple Raiders won the first set 25-19 and picked up a 25-23 victory in the second set. Wheaton earned a 25-20 win in the third set, however, the Purple Raiders closed out the win with a 25-21 victory in the fourth set.

Jordan Benford and Ashton Major each had 13 kills against UMU, while Mary Hamann added 11. Katherine Adkison and Mary Patrick each tallied eight kills, and Paris Griffin added six kills.  Lacey Higgins had 30 assists in the UMU match and Reese Donahoe added 24. Libero Sarah Sanderson contributed 17 digs and Benford added 12. Hamann had four total blocks, including two solos and Miriam Pozdol-Niego had three service aces.

Calvin defeated the Thunder 3-1 as the Knights won the first set 25-8 and followed with a 25-11 victory in the second set. The Thunder earned a 27-25 win against the Knights in the third set. Calvin closed out the victory with a 25-18 victory in the decisive fourth set.

Benford led the Thunder with eight kills against the Knights, while Shah added seven. Higgins had 24 assists. Sanderson recorded 14 digs and Benford tallied 13.
Wheaton is off until next Friday with the Thunder host North Park at 7:00 p.m. Friday's contest against the Vikings inside King Arena is "Senior Night" for Wheaton.