LANCASTER, Pa.- In November of 2010, Eastern, Franklin and Marshall, and Richard Stockton were three of the eight teams at the Christopher Newport Regional in the NCAA Tournament. While that was two seasons ago, this weekend's F & M scramble promised to be an important regional test for Eastern's young team. The No. 19 Eagles passed the test on day one with a pair of convincing three-set victories over the Ospreys and the host Diplomats.

The Eagles seized control of the Stockton match early aggressive serving and an impressive .320 hitting percentage in a 25-16 first-set win. The Eagles' hitting percentage dropped off only slightly in sets two and three as they won the final two frames by identical 25-17 scores.

Lauren Sproles had 10 kills to pace the Eastern attack. Katrina Pisch continued her run of efficient hitting with nine kills on 20 swings for a .350 percentage. Kearby Beanak matched Pisch with nine kills and a .350 percentage. Amy Guarino moved the ball well for 41 assists in the match.

The Eagles (6-2) were not quite as efficient in the attack against the hosts, but the .240 hitting percentage and 63 digs proved to be enough to take the win in three. After winning the opening set 25-17 and the second set 25-16, the Eagles earned a 25-22 win in the third frame.

Benak led the way with 10 kills on only 24 attempts. Guarino finished with 28 assists and a team-best 16 digs.

The Eagles are back in action tomorrow morning with games against LVC and Susquehanna.