ELKINS – The Davis & Elkins College Volleyball team picked up its second straight win in the McDonnell Center to start the home season with a 3-1 win over Shepherd University on Saturday.
 
The Senators (5-10) struggled early but recovered for a 25-17 win in set one. D&E then fell to the Rams (6-9) in set two 23-25.
 
However, the Senators pulled out gutsy performances in sets three and four to fight of big runs by Shepherd to win 25-21 and 25-23.
 
D&E had a huge presence up front, recording 17 blocks in the match. Sasha Johnson led the way up front with 12 blocks in the game.
 
Elizabeth Estes led the team with 13 kills and also played her part in seven blocks for the match.
 
Anna Gallup and Charisse Mitchell had 11 and eight kills respectively to join in the attack.
 
The Senators had 10 aces in the match, led by Zoe Craig's three. Kendall Jacobson and Kelly Smith had two apiece.
 
Craig led the team with 42 assists. Devin Saucy chipped in with 16 digs to lead defensively for the Senators. Kelly Smith was second with 12 digs.
 
Jacobson aided the defense with six digs.
 
The Senators will return to action on Tuesday with a home match against Glenville State. The match is set for a 7 p.m. first serve in the McDonnell Center.