By: Andrew Korba

HIRAM, Ohio -- The Hiram College volleyball team suffered a 3-0 setback against No. 8-ranked Wittenberg in the NCAC opener for both teams on Friday evening.

The Terriers are now 11-5 on the season and 0-1 in conference play, while the Tigers improve to 11-1, 1-0.

Senior Lindsay Brewer (New Franklin, Ohio/Manchester) led Hiram with 12 kills. Senior Katie Barton (Newbury, Ohio) and senior Emily Mortimer (Mogadore, Ohio/Field) each finished with five kills.

Junior Claire Maier (Huntsville, Ohio/Indian Lake) had 19 assists and junior Laura Kelly (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) had a team-high eight digs.

Wittenberg came out of the gates strong and built a early 9-4 lead in the opening frame. Hiram would counter with three straight points to pull within 9-7.

The Tigers would respond by winning the next four points and would use another quick four point spurt late in the set to capture it 25-17.

The second set began tight with the teams finding themselves tied at 10-10. But Wittenberg would reel off six consecutive points to gain control, en route to a 25-20 victory.

In the third set, the Tigers opened up a early 12-4 lead and never looked back, closing out the set and match by a 25-12 count.

As a team, Wittenberg had 42 kills and hit .333, while the Terriers had 30 kills and posted a .132 hitting percentage.

Hiram will have a qucik turnaround and will host DePauw (Ind.) on Saturday in another NCAC battle at 1 p.m.