Roanoke, VA - For the first time this season the Hollins volleyball team looked to defend her home court. After splitting a pair of matches over the weekend, Hollins opened their home schedule with a visit from Mary Baldwin. The match marked the first of two consecutive games with the Squirrels. 

Hollins dug themselves a hole for the opening points of the match. Mary Baldwin rattled off three straight and seven of the first 10 points to seize control on Hollins home court. The home team would rally and finally got the set tied, 22-22, before the Squirrels answered and scored the final three points of the set to take a 1-0 advantage. The second frame started in almost the same way, the visitors taking an early three point edge. This time there would be no Hollins rally and after two sets of play, Hollins found themselves in an 0-2 hole.

With their backs against the wall, Hollins came out swinging in the third and thanks to a 7-1 run, finally enjoyed a lead on the scoreboard, 13-6. The young Hollins team would see their guests mount a comeback but Hollins held off the rally and inched closer by taking the set, 25-18. With comeback thoughts in their heads, Hollins kept their momentum by scoring three straight points in the fourth set. However, Mary Baldwin would not allow the home team to complete the comeback and finished off their rivals with a 25-17 victory to take the match, 3-1.

Sophomore outside hitter Deja Hadden enjoyed her best hitting night of the season by posting 15 kills to led Hollins at the net. Fellow first-year's Amanda Mink and Courtney Chappell each recorded eight kills. Mink added a team high 16 digs with Hadden, 12, and Rachel Hertzler, 10, also registering double digit digs. Casey Mahan handed out 21 assists while Ki'Ana Speights and McKinley Isaacs accounted for four of Hollins five blocks.

Katelyn Rice recorded a match high 19 kills, 21 digs, and a block with Farrah Fullerton adding 12 kills and three service aces. Setter Reilly Kelly assisted on 40 of the Squirrels 47 kills.

Hollins will face this same Mary Baldwin team on Friday at the Roanoke College Maroon Classic. The match is scheduled to start at 5:00pm in the brand new Cregger Center in Salem.