VWC Splits in Opening Day of Sea Gull Classic

SALISBURY, Md. -- The Virginia Wesleyan College volleyball team split its opening matches at the Sea Gull Classic, defeating Marywood in four sets before falling to Salisbury University in four in the nightcap.

3-1 Victory over Marywood (25-15, 21-25, 25-14, 25-16)

The Marlins jumped out to a quick start against Marywood, capturing three easy sets against the Pacers despite dropping a tough second set.

Virginia Wesleyan hit an impressive .315 in the match, hitting .407 and .419 in the final two sets respectively to bounce back from a tough second set.

Dare Wright had an impressive showing against the Pacers, contributing eight kills while hitting .636. Tiffany Barrett and Doneisha Hall also hit over .300, posting 12 and 11 kills respectively while Emilee Pierson tallied 35 assists.

3-1 Loss to Salisbury (25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 25-16)

Virginia Wesleyan dropped a tough match to a Salisbury team off to a hot start of the 2016 campaign.

The Marlins had an opportunity to capture a set win in each of the first two, leading 18-13 in the first before Salisbury battled back to cut the lead to one, 22-21, before the Marlins dropped the next three points. Virginia Wesleyan led in the second set as well, holding a 21-18 lead before six-straight points gave the Sea Gulls set point.

Virginia Wesleyan battled back for a win in set number three, but fell in the fourth to drop the match.

Wright led the Marlins with nine kills while Pierson posted 31 assists and Maddie Starr tallied a career-best 17 digs.

Virginia Wesleyan (3-4) caps off the Sea Gull Classic with matches Saturday against Elizabethtown and McDaniel.