BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Case Western Reserve University volleyball team dropped a pair of Saturday matches to conclude the Sommer Center Spiketacular hosted by Bluffton University. The Spartans fell to Bethany College (W.V.), 3-1 in the opener, and then lost to No. 5 nationally-ranked Hope College (Mich.), 3-0, in their second match of the afternoon.

The Spartans (2-2) return home to co-host the 2013 Marcia French Memorial Tournament next Friday and Saturday, September 6-7. The weekend begins with a 4:00 p.m. match on Friday versus John Carroll University. Case will also play Buffalo State University (N.Y.), Geneva College (Pa.) and Capital University during the weekend at the Veale Center.

Versus Bethany (2-2), the Spartans lost the first set, 25-21, despite totaling 12 kills versus just four attacking errors. The Bison followed up with a 25-18 victory in game two before the Spartans rallied in game three, 25-18. However, that third set would be the Spartans' only win of the day as Bethany took the final game, 25-16.

Junior middle hitter Haley Kauffman (Uniontown, Ohio/Lake) led the Spartan attack with 10 kills in 21 total attacks. Freshman setter Lauren Gurd (Farmington Hills, Mich./Detroit Country Day) posted 22 assists in her first career start.

Kauffman was productive on the defensive side of the ball as well with four blocks assists and one block solo. Sophomore libero Katie Best (Sewickley, Pa./North Allegheny) contributed a team-high 14 digs.

Bethany was led by Breana Harris with 12 kills and Mackenzie Lauber with 39 assists.

Against Hope (4-0), the Spartans fell by scores of 25-14, 25-5 and 25-17.

Freshman outside hitter Isabelle Wagner (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) led Case offensively with six kills, while Best and freshman defensive specialist Julie Colaianni (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Joseph Academy) posted double-digits in digs with 12 and 10, respectively.

The Thunder was paced by Sarah Feldpausch with eight kills in just 12 attempts and Lauren Hazenkamp with 28 assists and 10 digs.