Erica Skillman

The College of Wooster volleyball team got tripped up by nationally-ranked Wittenberg University, but then bounced back to drop Hiram College for the first time since the 2008 season, highlighting day two of a North Coast Athletic Conference Play Date at Gambier, Ohio.

Wittenberg (11-1, 3-0 NCAC), who is ranked No. 3 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, dealt Wooster (11-4, 2-2 NCAC) a 25-21, 25-16, 25-14 setback, but it didn't come easy in the opening set. The Scots jumped out an early 8-3 lead behind four service aces from Paige Parker, and even led 18-17 down the stretch, but the Tigers rallied their way to victory.

Erica Skillman led Wooster in its match with Wittenberg, totaling seven kills, two solo blocks, and a block assist. Lizzi Beal added six kills and 10 digs.

The Scots got a big win over Hiram (13-6, 2-2 NCAC) by set scores of 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, and 26-24, and the fourth and final set was a nail-biter. Trailing 23-19, Beal went on a run at the service line to tie the game at 23-23. The Terriers went back on top 24-23, but Kelley Johnson served the last three points, and Catherine Benton smashed down the final kill to give Wooster the win.

Zoe Zwegat totaled 10 kills and six blocks (5 assists, 1 solo), Parker had 12 kills and three aces, and Johnson led the defense with 26 digs. Also noteworthy, Beal and Autumn Berry recorded 25 and 17 assists, respectively.

Next, Wooster will host Kenyon College Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.