The No. 9-ranked Emory volleyball team came away with a pair of wins on the opening day of action at its Invitational on Friday.  The Eagles began with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-15) decision over No. 21-ranked Mary Washington before topping Wellesley by a 3-0 count (25-5, 25-21, 25-14).  Emory now stands 6-3 on the season.

Outstanding defensive play highlighted Emory's effort in both contests as it held UMW to a .010 hitting percentage (24-23—104), followed by Wellesley's -.040 (18-22—101) showing.

Senior Jessica Holler led the Eagles in the Mary Washington outing, totaling a match-high nine kills while chipping in three service aces and four block assists.  Senior Kathryn Trinka finished with eight terminations and six digs while sophomore Karissa Dzurik compiled seven successful attack attempts and a pair of block assists.  Freshman Sarah Porter dished out 19 assists and classmate Andie McKinnon topped the squad with 12 digs.

Emory hit .261 (35-11—92) in the Wellesley encounter, with Trinka setting the pace with a match-best 11 kills to go along with a keen .429 (11-2—21) hitting percentage.  Holler added six terminations and accounted for four of the team's six service aces. The Eagles enjoyed a 56-41 cushion in digs with McKinnon totaling a match-high 14 and senior Sarah Maher and sophomore Mira Grinsfelder 10 apiece.

Emory returns to action on Saturday when it clashes with Transylvania at 10:00 am, followed by a 2:00 pm bout with Maryville College.