ADA, Ohio -- The Heidelberg University Volleyball team picked up a pair of impressive five set victories at the 45th annual Polar Bear Invitational on Friday. The evening started with a win over Hanover, which entered with a 14-1 record. In the nightcap, Heidelberg rallied from a 2-0 deficit to stun Westminster.  

The twin five-setters provided ample opportunity for Student Princes to fill the stat sheets. Grace Porter led the way with 25 kills, hitting .233. Lexi Wachtman was right behind her with 24 kills while Riley Ameel and Gabby Wolfe both had 14. Ameel added 12 blocks while Wolfe had nine.

Maddie Reed dished up 47 assists and Olivia Miller contributed 37. 

Defensively, Grace Dohanyos averaged 4.8 digs per set, compiling 48 on the night. 

Heidelberg beat Hanover 27-25, 20-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13. After holding on for a win in the opening set, the Student Princes couldn't maintain momentum against the confident Panthers. Regrouping early in the fourth, HU forced Hanover into a fifth set for the first time all season. No strangers to going five, Heidelberg outlasted Hanover to earn the victory.  

Hopes of riding the wave of energy into the second game were short-lived. Westminster walloped The Berg in the first two sets. Despite the hot, humid air inside the ONU Sports Center, the Student Princes sprang to life and dominated the third and the fourth. For the second time, HU pulled away late in the fifth to claim the win, 19-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-13.  

Taking the week off to regroup, Heidelberg embarks on OAC play by hosting Wilmington on Saturday inside Seiberling Gymnasium. The match will start at 1 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of ONU Sports Information