CANTON, Ohio – The Wheeling Jesuit defense produced some impressive Saturday offense as the volleyball team bit No. 2 and previously undefeated Ferris State and host Malone by 3-0 shutouts.
 
The No. 10 Cardinals (14-3) ran their consecutive sweep run to nine with the defeat of the No. 2 Bulldogs (12-1) 25-17, 25-21 and 25-22, before they took care of the Pioneers (4-10) 25-15, 25-7 and 25-14. WJU claimed its second AVCA Top 6 victory with the win over Ferris State to go while it also defeated then No. 6 Colorado School of the Mines (3-1). 
 
"It was a great opportunity to play two very good teams and get two wins," said Cardinal head coach Christy Benner. "Our defense played very well and we were able to turn digs into kills. The team executed the game plan and played hard every play."
 
Emma Schleucher produced a team-best 22 kills on the day with 14 of them coming against No. 2 Ferris State. The junior also had two aces, seven digs and four block assists. Sydney Obringer downed 11 kills and Andrea Thobe dished out 43 assists in the first match.
 
Wheeling Jesuit next hosts both Concord at 6 p.m. and West Liberty at 8 p.m. on Thursday night, Oct. 1.
 
No. 10 WJU 3, No. 2 Ferris State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22)
In the match…
The Cardinals hit at least .256 in each of the three sets including a high of .325 in the second set against the Bulldogs. WJU downed a total of 50 kills at a .288 attack rate.
 
By the numbers…
For the Cardinals
•Schleucher – 14 kills, 3 assts, 7 digs
•Sydney Obringer – 11 kills, .370 pct., 5 digs, BA
•Kayce Krucki – 5 kills, 16 digs, ace
•Jessica Thobe – 17 digs, 2 assts
•Andrea Thobe – 43 assts, 11 digs
•Lauran Graves – 10 kills, .429 pct., 3 TB
•Haley Kindall – 7 kills, .700 pct. (0 errors, 10 TA)
•Sam Obringer – 7 digs
 
For the Bulldogs…
•Megan Vander Meer – 10 kills
•Caroline Heitzman – 10 kills, 4 TB
 
No. 10 WJU 3, Malone 0 (25-15, 25-7, 25-14)
In the match…
Leading 14-11, the Cardinals netted the next four points and seven of 10 tallies (21-13) behind three Sydney Obringer and two Schleucher kills, before the 25-15 final.
 
WJU opened the second set with a 9-1 lead and never let Malone in the set. The visitors lined the final six points with the final two on Sam Obringer aces.
 
Ahead 12-7, WJU put the next seven points on the board and opened a 23-9 lead moments later. The Pioneers fought off five match points, before the Cards capitalized to end the match, 25-14.
 
By the numbers…
For the Cardinals
•Schleucher – 8 kills, 2 digs, 2 aces, 4 BA
•Katie Campbell – 4 kills, BA
•Krucki – 7 kills, 5 digs
•Jessica Thobe – 19 digs
•Andrea Thobe – 28 assts, 10 digs, 2 kills
•Lauran Graves – 4 kills, 7 TB
•Sam Obringer – 2 aces, 9 digs
 
For the Pioneers…
•Mallory Adams – 10 kills
•Caroline Heitzman – 10 kills, 4 TB