A powerful fourth set delivered the Fort Lewis College volleyball team a win in its season opener.
The Skyhawks downed host Oklahoma Panhandle State 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 21-25 and 25-21) in the opening round of the OPSU Aggie Challenge in Goodwell, Oklahoma, after hitting .344 in Set 4.
Freshman outside hitter Matisse Monty had 15 kills in her first collegiate game.
FLC junior libero Ally Dell’Amico grabbed 18 digs, while junior setter Delaney Scanlan had a double-double with 27 assists and 13 digs.
“There was definitely some nerves in the first game with our young players getting comfortable,” FLC head coach Kelley Rifilato said in a news release. “What impressed me the most was our limited hitting errors. That’s something with a young team we can use to build on our successes.”
The second match of the tournament didn’t go as smoothly.
NAIA school Sterling College beat FLC (1-1) 3-1 (26-24, 18-25, 20-25 and 24-26).
Fellow freshman outside hitter Gabriella Hickman and Monty both picked up 13 kill for the match, while Dell’Amico grabbed 29 digs and Delaney dished out 23 assists.
FLC continues OPSU Aggie Challenge play with Northwestern Oklahoma State at 8 a.m. Saturday in Goodwell.
The Rangers also split their Day 1 games, beating Oklahoa Panhandle and losing to Sterling College.
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