LEXINGTON, Va. -- The Washington and Lee volleyball team opened the 2009 season with a 3-0 loss to Christopher Newport in its first match of the W&L Invitational on Friday night. 

W&L (0-1), which fell 32-30, 25-18, 25-21, was led by senior outside hitter Rachael Philips (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Prep), who totaled 10 kills and five digs. Junior middle blocker Louise Brooks (Baltimore, Md./Bryn Mawr) added eight kills and six digs, while first-year libero Cameron Hill (Tampa, Fla./H.B. Plant) added 10 digs in her first collegiate match.

Senior setter Megan Steinhardt (Cedar Park, Texas/Cedar Park) led the Generals with 25 assists.

W&L will take on No. 2 Juniata in its second match of the invitational later on Friday evening.