'Roos Knock Off No. 14 La Verne to Go 2-0 on Day One of Leopard Invitational

LA VERNE, Calif. - The Austin College volleyball team won both of its matches on the first day of the Leopard Invitational, defeating UC Santa Cruz 3-1 and capping off the day with a huge 3-1 victory over No. 14-ranked La Verne. The 'Roos are now 16-6 overall on the year with the victories.

The 'Roos got their first day in California off to a good start with a 25-17, 16-25, 25-18, 25-18 win over UC Santa Cruz, as Dani DeWitt registered 11 kills and 14 digs to lead the way. Hannah Arbaugh added nine kills and eight digs, and Katie Ingle had 35 assists and 13 digs. Four 'Roos reached double digits in digs, led by Tatiana Ferrari's 17. Rebekah Bowden chipped in six kills with a block solo and five block assists in the victory.

In the second match of the day against the host Leopards, nationally ranked by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the 'Roos fell 25-17 in the first set before taking a 25-21 win in set two. Down 23-21 in the third set, Austin College battled back and came away with a 29-27 win, and clinched the match with a 25-22 fourth set victory. Mayson Kennon had 11 kills and Bowden added 10, while Arbaugh once again added nine. Ingle led the way with 30 assists and also had a team-best 14 digs along with three service aces. 

Austin College wraps up its weekend trip to the West Coast with matches against Scranton and Whittier on Saturday.