Tigers Wrap Up Opening Weekend With Loss To No. 1 St. Thomas

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – A challenging opening weekend concluded on a down note as the Wittenberg Tigers dropped a 3-1 decision to defending national champion St. Thomas.

The loss was Wittenberg's second of the day against a preseason top 10 team, leaving the third-ranked Tigers with an uncharacteristic 1-2 early season record. The Tigers have a week to practice and gain from the experience before heading to Washington University for another stern test that includes matches against Pacific Lutheran, Ohio Northern and the host Bears, another team ranked in the preseason national poll.

Against St. Thomas, the 2012 NCAA Division III national champion, Wittenberg dropped the first two sets by matching 25-21 scores and appeared to be done for the day in straight sets after an apparent St. Thomas kill on set point. However, as players and coaches from both teams prepared to shake hands, the Tommies were called for a back row attack and the Tigers had new life. They responded with a thrilling three-point burst that turned a 24-23 deficit into a 26-24 win.

The momentum was short-lived. St. Thomas jumped out to a commanding 12-5 lead in the fourth set and never looked back, claiming a 25-16 victory that clinched the match.

The Tigers were paced offensively by senior Andrea Behling (Columbus, Ind./North) with 15 kills to go along with 12 digs. Sophomore Kara Seidenstricker (London, Ohio/Jonathan Alder) added 11 kills a team-best 16 digs, while freshman Emily Kahlig (Coldwater, Ohio/Coldwater) was outstanding in her first extended playing time, contributing 10 kills and a .389 attack percentage.

Junior Meghan Vodopich (Canton, Ohio/Massillon Perry) added five kills and 10 digs to go along with a match-high 30 assists. She and Behling were both selected to the Courtyard Marriott National Invitational All-Tournament team.