'Roos Split on Day One of Austin College Invitational

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College volleyball team split on the first day of the Austin College Invitational on Friday, sweeping Belhaven 3-0 before dropping a hard-fought 3-2 match against Pacific (Ore.) to wrap up the evening. The 'Roos are now 3-1 to start the year.

In the first match of the day for the Austin College, the 'Roos earned the victory with wins of 25-13, 25-15, and 25-16 while boasting a team hitting percentage of .368 against the Blazers. It was a balanced offensive effort for the 'Roos, with Riley Abernethy and Olivia Linton leading the way with nine and eight kills, respectively. Victoria Smith and TJ Folse each had five kills, and Abernethy also paced the 'Roos with seven digs. Brianne Tseng had a team-best 18 assists, and Madison Manning added 10 in the victory. Manning and Abernethy each had two service aces in the match.

Against Pacific, the 'Roos took the first set 25-21 before dropping the second set 25-19, and after falling behind 23-18 in the third set Austin College rallied for a 26-24 victory to go ahead 2-1. However, the Boxers took a 25-21 fourth set victory, and after the 'Roos went on top 5-0 to open the decisive fifth set, Pacific came from behind to win 15-13 and hand the 'Roos their first loss of the 2022 campaign. Linton had 13 kills to pace Austin College, while Abernethy and Folse each had 10 in defeat. Abernethy added 10 digs, while Chloe Miller led the 'Roos with 14. Mattie Duncan had six kills and six total blocks, and Manning and Tseng finished with 22 and 20 assists, respectively.

Austin College is back in action tomorrow when they take on Regis (Mass.) at noon and McMurry at 4:00 p.m. in Hughey Gym.