ELMHURST, Ill. - The Wittenberg volleyball express has rolled into Elmhurst, Ill., site of a tournament filled with quality teams. In test No. 1 (of four) at the Elmhurst College Invitational, the Tigers got off to a tremendous start with a 3-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The game scores were convincing - 30-23, 30-18, 30-27.

The win moved the Tigers to 21-1 overall, just two days after they clinched a 10th straight North Coast Athletic Conference regular season title and top seed and home court advantage for the upcoming conference tournament. Wittenberg, ranked second in the nation in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, is one of three ranked teams among the eight in the tournament. The Tigers' next test is later tonight against perennial Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association powerhouse Hope.

Wittenberg was paced by junior Emily Dixon, who recorded a team season-high nine blocks. Offensively, seniors Monica McDonald and Kristin Fox slammed home 23 kills. Defensively, senior Emilie Schmid was up to her usual tricks, digging out 23 balls for her teammates.