JACKSON, Miss. – The W volleyball team opened the 2018 season at the Belhaven Volleyball Tournament on Friday, Aug. 31. The Owls are a much improved team from there 2017 outing and it showed through every set and every match. During its first official day on the court, the team fought hard and push for every point against the host team Belhaven University and fellow participant Central Baptist University. Despite the effort, the Owls were unable to pull a win and dropped both matches 0-3.

"We started out strong today, but unfortunately fatigue got the best of us," said Head Volleyball Coach Roxanne Hernandez. "Statistically and physically, we did a much better job being aggressive and making plays in comparison to last weekend's exhibition matches. The great thing is we have an opportunity to start fresh with a rematch of both teams tomorrow and hopefully we can find a way to finish on top."

In match one against Belhaven, the Owls fell 0-3 (11-25, 19-25, 10-25). Haley McMurphey, a junior from Caledonia, Miss., pulled her weight on both sides of the ball to lead her team in digs with five and in total attacks with 13. In the outside hitter position, she tied Savannah Thomas and Kayla King for a team game high of three kills.

Against Central Baptist, The W faired a little better with sets scores of 13-25, 20-25, and 14-25. McMurphey stepped up again offensively to lead the team with 15 total attacks. Defensively, Sadie Mitchell took the reins for a match high of 15 digs.

Other standout Owls in match two were Kayla King with 15 total attacks and four kills and Tori Weir with 13 total attacks and four kills.

The Owls will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 1 when the take on day two of the Belhaven Tournament. The W will get a rematch against both teams with the first match against Belhaven set for 11 a.m.

Come out and support the Owls as they look for their first victory of the season or follow the match live: HERE.