LEXINGTON, Va. – The Washington and Lee volleyball opened its 2008 season with a pair of victories on the first day of the W&L Invitational held at the Warner Center. The Generals defeated Mary Baldwin in the first match of the day, 25-5, 35-21, 25-8, and then knocked off Dickinson, 25-22, 25-20, 25-19.

In the victory over Mary Baldwin (4-3), the Generals were led by junior outside hitter Rachael Phillips (Tampa, Fl./Tampa Prep), who notched a team-high nine kills. Senior outside hitter Laura Maurer (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) added five kills and 12 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Marah Schmmitz (Phoenix, Md./Dulaney) chipped in five kills. Junior setter Kristi Stevens (Overland Park, Kan./Shawnee Mission So.) totaled 15 assists and eight digs.

Phillips again led the charge in the victory over Dickinson, totaling 11 kills and 10 digs. Senior right side Jessica Ulrich (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettysburg) added eight kills, while junior setter Megan Steinhardt (Cedar Park, Texas/Cedar Park) contributed 20 assists.

The Generals return to the court on Saturday as they host Southern Virginia at 10:30 am and Marietta at 3:30 pm.

DAY ONE SCORES
Washington and Lee d. Mary Baldwin, 25-5, 25-21, 25-8
Southern Virginia d. Mary Baldwin, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19
Washington and Lee d. Dickinson, 25-22, 25-20, 25-19
Dickinson d. Marietta, 25-18, 30-28, 19-25, 25-22
Marietta d. Southern Virginia, 25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23

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