LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Davis & Elkins College Volleyball opened up its season with a split at the Lock Haven University hosted tri-match that also included West Liberty. The Senators defeated the Hilltoppers in a thrilling five-set match before falling to the hosts to end the day.
 
The Senators fell behind early in its opening match, as West Liberty took set one 25-15. However, the Davis & Elkins recovered nicely and took control of the match with 25-23 and 25-20 set victories to go ahead 2-1.
 
West Liberty would force a fifth set, but the Senators fought off the comeback bud from the Hilltoppers, winning the decisive set 15-9.
 
In a near even match, the Senators edged West Liberty in Aces (7-5), Blocks (9-7) and Digs (88-83).
 
Kaitlyn LaCour led the way for the Senators with 15 kills. Raleighanne Weaver finished with nine kills, while Lillie Mueller and freshman Jessa Henry had six each.
 
Luann O'Kane had a nice debut for the Senators, leading D&E with three service aces and 27 digs. Kelly Smith was second in both with two aces and 21 digs. LaCour was third in digs with 14.
 
Elyse Bonnett and Briana Hoffmann split the setting duties in the match. Bonnett finished with 23, while Hoffmann had 11.
 
Defensively, Weaver led the way, chipping in with four blocks, while Mueller and Charisse Mitchell each chipped in on three.
 
In match two, the Senators struggled right from the start and were unable to catch up with the hosts from Lock Haven.
 
After falling 25-6 in the opening set, the Senators played much tighter third sets, but ultimately fell 25-20 and 25-23.
 
The Senators were outplayed in nearly every category, with exception to blocking, where D&E had five blocks to just one from Lock Haven. LaCour chipped in on three blocks to lead the way, while Mitchell helped on two.
 
LaCour led the Senators with eight kills in the game. Mueller, Weaver and freshman Solei Daniels each had four kills.
 
Bonnett and Madi Gil led the Senators with eight digs each. LaCour had seven and Smith finished with six. Bonnett also led the Senators with 12 assists.
 
The Senators will now set their sights on Friday's match with Glenville State. D&E will face the Pioneers in the opening match of the Rebich Investments Invitational hosted by Edinboro University. First serve is set for 5 p.m.