Aug 30, 2013

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, OH - Wittenberg's Andrea Behling and Kara Seidenstricker combined for 22 kills and a .283 hitting percentage as Hopkins dropped its season opener at the Wittenberg National Invite. The Blue Jays were defeated in straight sets (25-9, 25-23, and 25-19) to the third ranked Tigers, and now sit at 0-1 on the season.

Hopkins could not find a rhythm in the season-opening set, as Wittenberg built a convincing lead boosted by an efficient .333 hitting percentage. Hopkins began to turn things around in the second set, and were up 17-11 before Wittenberg called a timeout to try and suppress the Blue Jay attack. The break from play appeared to work, as the Tigers slowly cut into the lead before tying the set at 20-20 and taking their first lead 21-20 soon after.

Hopkins fought back, tying the set again at 23-23, but Wittenberg made key plays down the stretch to secure a 25-23 victory. Hopkins challenged the Tigers again early in the third set, playing the host squad to an even 7-7. That was as close as the Jays would get, as Wittenberg pulled away and secured the set and match with a 25-19 victory.

Junior Meagan Donohoe posted 10 kills in the losing effort, one shy of her 2012 season high. Junior Mariel Metalios added 15 assists for the Jays, who will face no. 1 ranked St. Thomas tomorrow at 12:30 pm. Hopkins will wrap up action at the Wittenberg National Invite against no. 8 Emory at 3pm.

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