SHERMAN, Texas – The fifth-seeded Washington and Lee volleyball team fell to fourth-seeded Southwestern, 30-24, 30-21, 30-27, in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships on Thursday afternoon at Austin College.

The Blue and White were paced by senior right side Jess Hudock's (Tampa, Fla./Holy Names) nine kills, 14 digs, and two service aces, while sophomore outside hitter Rachael Phillips (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Prep) racked up 14 kills and seven digs. Junior outside hitter Laura Maurer (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) amassed seven kills and 11 digs and sophomore setter Kristi Stevens (Overland Park, Kan./Shawnee Mission So.) totaled 18 assists and 12 digs. Senior setter Lauren Rudolph (Fort Wayne, Ind./Concordia Lutheran) chipped in 14 assists.

With the loss, the Generals complete the 2007 season with a 29-6 overall mark, while Southwestern advances to the second round of the NCAA tournament and will compete against top-seeded Trinity (Texas) on Friday at 4:30 pm CST.

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