MARIETTA, Ohio — A 27-kill, 12-service aces performance from junior outside hitter Alex Weissling (Dublin/Dublin Scioto) led the Marietta College volleyball team to a pair of victories on day one of its River City Volleyball Tournament Friday (Sept. 3) inside Ban Johnson Arena. The Pioneers opened with a 3-1 (25-14, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21) victory over Denison University and then defeated Kenyon College 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-5) in the night cap. [Denison Box Score] [Kenyon Box Score]

Against, Denison (0-3), Marietta (2-1) jumped out to a 6-1 advantage and never looked back en route to winning set one 25-14. The Big Red held leads of 12-9 and 16-15 in set two before the Pioneers rallied to win 25-20. Denison rallied from an 18-16 deficit to capture set three 25-20, but Marietta closed out the match with a 25-21 win in set four to claim the 3-1 victory.

Sophomore setter Ally Jenkins (Twinsburg/Walsh Jesuit) set up Marietta's offensive attack with 30 assists. The Pioneers' top weapon was Weissling, who finished off a match-best 13 kills. Junior right side hitter Meredith Storey (Olmsted Falls/Olmsted Falls) and sophomore outside hitter Alex VanGundy (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) both contributed seven kills, while freshman middle blocker Paige DeVriendt (Bowling Green/Bowling Green) added six kills in the victory. Marietta's offense was also fueled by nine service aces, including four from sophomore libero Jen Braun (Chagrin Falls/Kenston) and three from Weissling.

Braun anchored the defense with 22 digs. In addition, Weissling finished with nine digs, while Jenkins had eight digs. Marietta also collected seven total blocks. DeVriendt paced the team with four block assists.

Marietta matched its hot start from earlier in the afternoon by taking the first two sets from Kenyon (1-2) 25-16 and 25-21. The Ladies, however, fought off the sweep by taking the eight of the final 11 points to win the third set 25-20. Kenyon also took a 2-0 lead in set four, but Marietta scored the next 14 points and cruised to the 25-5 win to secure the victory.

Weissling led all attackers with 14 kills, while teammate Storey followed closely with 13 kills and VanGundy added nine kills in the victory. Weissling also collected a career-best nine service aces, which was one shy of the school record for a four-set match. Jenkins finished with 40 assists, and Braun dished out seven.

Braun once again paced the defense with 15 digs, while Jenkins added seven. Freshman middle blocker Kathryn Hanssen had one solo block and three block assists to lead Marietta's defensive play at the net against Kenyon.

Marietta wraps up River City Tournament action Saturday (Sept. 4) morning when it takes on LaGrange College at 10:30 a.m. and then Penn State University-Behrend at 1:30 p.m. Live video will be available at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/marietta-college-athletics