SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers haven't lost a North Coast Athletic Conference match in nearly seven years. Entering a stretch of games in which the 2004 NCAC regular season championship will be decided, the Tigers got off on the right foot with a 3-0 victory at Earlham.

Wittenberg dominated almost from the outset and many reserve players got their opportunities to contribute. Making the most of it were players like freshman outside hitter Jan Kehres, who pounded 15 kills in 32 attempts and added two service aces, three blocks and 12 digs to the stats sheet, and freshman outside hitter Lindsey Penrod, who had seven kills in 17 attempts. Some of the usual suspects also came up with solid performances, including senior outside hitter Monica McDonald with 18 kills and 17 digs, senior setter Sarah Yuskewich with 31 assists and nine digs and senior libero Emilie Schmid with 28 digs and four service aces.

The Tigers get right back into conference action this weekend as they hit the road for a Friday night match at Oberlin and a Saturday confrontation with Wooster, which is 12-5 this year and considered one of the top contenders for the Tigers' crown.