The Eastern University volleyball team opened up the first day of play at the Blue Jay Classic, hosted by Elizabethtown College with two three-set wins. First, they downed Catholic University of America 25-17, 25-12, and 25-15. In their second match, the Eagles beat Widener University 25-8, 25-20, 25-16.

Courtney Reinhold was stellar in both matches, tallying 35 kills on the evening, while making only two errors. After a nineteen kill performance in the first match against Catholic, Reinhold's encore in the second match included 16 kills and 15 defensive digs.

Maria Horning was once again able to do what she does best, and that is run the offense for the Eagles. Horning picked up 35 assists in the first match, and followed with 38 in the second. Reinhold was not the only beneficiary of Horning's assists; Bridget Carey was a strong presence for Eastern with nine kills against Catholic, and 10 against Widener.

The Eagles' defense was the foundation for the team's strong offensive attack. Kelly Groff stepped into the libero position for Eastern in the first match and picked up 10 digs, second only to Horning's 12. Nikki Kummerer was then able to pick up 12 digs in the second match. All-in-all, the Eagles amassed 104 total digs during the two matches. 

"We were able to put pressure on them early in both matches," said head coach Mark Birtwistle. "Courtney was able to dominate in the middle and Bridget had a solid night on the outside. Maria was able to run the offense efficiently which contributed to our high hitting percentage in both matches."

The Eagles return to action at 10:00 AM against Wesley College in their last pool play match. If Eastern picks up the win in the first match tomorrow then they will be slated to face off against the winner of Pool B for the Blue Jay Classic Championship at 4:30 PM.