MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team opened the season with a pair of victories in the River City Classic. The Pioneers downed Ohio Valley University, W.Va. in straight sets (25-12, 25-16, 25-18) and the defeated Olivet College, Mich. By the scores of 25-14, 16-25, 25-13, 25-16. [Ohio Valley Box Score] [Olivet Box Score]

“More than anything, I was really pleased with the way we played as a team. We played Marietta volleyball from start to finish,” said head coach Ray Costa. “We were communicating well, aggressive, loud, resilient and having fun. When we sustain our play like that over the course of a match, we're going to be hard to beat.”

Sophomore Kathryn Hanssen led the Pioneer attack against Ohio Valley with 10 kills and seven blocks. Freshman Natalie Lanham (Charleston, W.Va./George Washington) had a fine start to her collegiate career with seven kills and a .750 attack percentage.

Junior setter Ally Jenkins (Twinsburg/Walsh Jesuit) piloted the offense with 17 assists, while junior defensive specialist Jen Braun (Chagrin Falls/Kenston) anchored the Pioneers' defense. Junior Alex VanGundy (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) added six kills and three blocks.

In the Olivet match Hanssen and sophomore Paige DeVriendt (Bowling Green/Bowling Green) each had a team-high nine kills. VanGundy and senior Meredith Storey (Olmsted Falls/Olmsted Falls) added six kills apiece. Jenkins had 27 assists and Braun posted a team-high five service aces and 15 digs. Senior Alex Weissling (Dublin/Dublin Scioto) chipped in with four aces and seven digs.

The Pioneers finish play in the River City Classic with a pair of matches tomorrow. Marietta takes on Muhlenberg College, Pa. at 11:30 a.m. and closes out the weekend against Kenyon College at 2:30 p.m.