Danville, VA - The Hollins volleyball team opened their 2014 season with a pair of matches at the Cougar Classic hosted by Averett University.  Hollins opened the two day tournament with a match against Greensboro College before facing off with Methodist in the night cap.

Hollins got the season off to a quick start by taking the first set against the Pride, 25-12.  The second set again saw Hollins take control but Greensboro rallied to tie the match by taking the second frame, 28-26.  Greensboro rode their momentum and easily took the third set by the score of 25-17.  With their backs against the wall Hollins dug in and prevailed in a hard fought fourth set, 25-23, to set up a fifth and decisive set.  Hollins had their chances but the Pride took the deciding set, 15-11, and handed Hollins a season opening loss, 2-3.

Rikki Martinez (Corpus Christi, TX) opened the season with a strong all around match.  The junior posted a team high 15 kills to go with her three assists, 10 digs, and a pair of blocks.  Senior Jessie Deese (Cary, NC) added 12 kills, three assists, 15 digs, and two solo blocks.  Setter Lela Moore (Woodleaf, NC) handed out 28 assists while Haley Ortiz (Portsmouth, VA) led the team with 20 digs.

The second match of the day saw Hollins try to even its record against the Monarchs of Methodist University.  Hollins was able to take a set from Methodist but it wasn't enough as Hollins fell to 0-2 on the day.  It marked the second win of the day over ODAC competition for a Monarch team that defeated Randolph, 3-2, earlier in the day.

Hollins will be back in action tomorrow with two more matches.