The 18th ranked Eastern University volleyball team cruised to a pair of victories in the opening day of the Haverford invitational. The Eagles served and passed their way to 3-0 wins over Neumann University and Susquehanna University.

The Eagles jumped to a quick lead in the opening game against Neumann, but the Knights closed the deficit to 11-9. Kellee Stoneslifer put the Knights back on the defensive with five straight service points. The first year defensive specialist recorded just one ace in the run, but the Eastern hitters were able to get momentum as the Knights were unable to get into system. After a pair of side-outs, Nikki Kummerer continued the run of powerful serves and the Eagles, despite hitting just .242, closed out the opening set 25-10. 

The Eastern momentum continued in the second set as Kummerer and Mary Poole served the Eagles to a 16-2 lead in the second game. Heather Kauffman made her mark as she collected the bulk of her 11 kills in second set. The Eagles hit a stunning .485 in the 25-11 second set win. Eastern closed out the match against their former PAC rivals with a 25-16 win.

Assistant Coach Paul Douglas pointed to the play of Kauffman and Poole in the middle as the key to the morning match-up. Kauffman hit .500 with 11 kills, and Poole hit .417 with six kills and three blocks. Courtney Reinhold continued her dominant play on the outside with a dozen kills and three blocks. 

The Eagles jumped to an early lead on Susquehanna and did not look back.Reinhold again led the way with a dozen kills, and Kearby Benak and Rachel Wenger each added eight kills apiece. Junior setter Maria Horning continued to orchestrate the Eastern attack with 31 more assists.

Head Coach Mark Birtwistle was pleased with his team's physical presence in the Susquehanna match, and he indicated that the success of the middles was evidence of the team's continued improvement in passing.

The Eagles return action at Haverford for two more matches tomorrow. They will play the host Fords at 10 and will challenge Stevens Tech in a 1:00 match.