SALISBURY, Md. – The Neumann University women's volleyball team opened the season against Eastern University at the Sea Gull Classic at Salisbury University on Friday evening. The Knights fell to the Eagles 3-0. Set scores were 25-17, 25-14 and 26-24.
 
Ariana Pena led the Knights with seven kills in the match. Lauren Garvey and Regan Hickey each tallied six. Dani Smith made her Neumann debut and handed out 19 assists. Tori Burgess and Bre Hickey each notched 10 digs.
 
The first part of the first set went back and forth. Tied at 14, the Eagles tallied the next five points for a 19-14 edge. After a kill by Maria Brown, Eastern answered with another five points for a 24-15 advantage. Neumann was able to capitalize on two Eastern errors, but the Eagles then scored the match point for a 25-17 first set win.
 
The second set was similar as the teams remained close until Eastern took control with a few runs, taking set two 25-14.
 
The teams remained close throughout the third set. Tied at 22, R. Hickey tallied a kill for a 23-22 edge. An Eagles error put the Knights at set point, 24-22. However, two kills by Eastern and two attack errors by Neumann gave the Eagles a 26-24 third set win and 3-0 match win.
 
Neumann (0-1) will continue action at the Sea Gull Classic tomorrow. The Knights will face McDaniel College at 10:00 AM and then host Salisbury at 4:00 PM.