September 1, 2005
WC Falls to Eagles in Opener
O'Brien Turns in Double-Double in Loss

FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- Dropping the first two games of the match proved too much to overcome for the Washington College volleyball team tonight as the Shorewomen dropped their season opener to host Mary Washington, 30-17, 30-13, 23-30, 30-28, in Fredericksburg, VA. Sophomore outside hitter Katherine O'Brien (Severna Park, MD/Severna Park) recorded a double-double with 14 kills and 13 digs in the match.

The Shorewomen trailed throughout the first two games, grabbing their first lead of the match by winning the first point of the third game. Washington used a 9-0 later in the third game to build a 23-16 lead en route to forcing a fourth game. The fourth game was tied at 26-26 before the Eagles reeled off three consecutive points to make it 29-27. Washington forced Mary Washington to side out on its next serve, clipping the lead to 29-28, but the Eagles scored on the Shorewomen's serve to win the match.

O'Brien's 14 kills were a team high. Senior outside hitter Abigail Benson (New London, PA/Avon Grove) added nine kills, a team-high 14 digs, and two aces, while freshman setter Arielle Brown (Merion, PA/Lower Merion) notched 30 assists and eight digs. Junior middle hitter Nanna Kozemchak (Falls Church, VA/St. Stephen's & St. Agnes) contributed 13 digs, one solo block, and one assisted block for Washington.

The Shorewomen return to action Saturday with a tri-match at Cabrini. Washington will play the host Cavaliers at 11:00 a.m., followed by a match against Lincoln.

WC MATCH STATS