COLUMBUS, Miss. -  The Mississippi University for Women volleyball team fell in a hard-fought battle in its home opener, losing to visiting Huntingdon College, 3-1. The Owls (0-5) lost to the Hawks (2-9) by set scores of 25-27, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17).
 
"The girls played their hearts," The W Head Coach Halee Hensley said. "We had some players who really stood out. Freshman Jasmine Kelly showed out and recorded six blocks for the game."
 
As a unit, Hensley's Owls showed tremendous heart and attitude in consistently doing what was necessary to keep themselves in the match. The W extended the first set to extra points, won set two in come-from-behind fashion and kept the final two sets within three and four points, respectively, versus a team which has played more than twice as many matches already in 2021.
 
Maggie Griggs led the MUW offense with 10 kills, while posting a .176 attack average. Llayne Skinner booked eight kills and Sarah White added seven kills (as well as a .158 average).
 
Hannah Duran (6 kills, 1 error, 18 attempts) topped The W with a .278 attack average. Teammate Micaela Hudgins was close behind with a .273 attack average (4 kills, 1 error, 11 attempts). Duran also had 12 assists
 
Three Owls – Skinner, Madison Suggs and White – all, reached double-digit dig totals on the defensive side. Skinner had a team-leading 14 digs, while Suggs and White had 12 and 10 digs. Suggs also chipped in seven assists.
 
White and Jasmine Kelly each served up a pair of aces.
 
The Owls scheduled Thursday (Sept. 16) home match versus Pensacola Christian College has been canceled by the visitors due to weather concerns.