HAVERFORD, Pa.--Eastern Volleyball took care of business on opening day, dispatching both Widener University and Catholic University in three sets on Saturday.

The Eagles started the morning with a 25-16, 25-10, 25-8 sweep of the Widener Pride and defeated Catholic by a similar score of 25-15, 25-14, 25-9. The Eagles demonstrated efficient hitting in both matches, hitting .444 in the first match and .407 in the second. Head coach Mark Birtwistle said that the good hitting percentage started with a solid passing game today from setter Rikki Schlager and finished with strong, precise play from the front line. Birtwistle said he was impressed with the way Eastern started the season. "I was very impressed with our energy level, with doing the things we talked about in practice, with our passing and with our serve-receive," he said. 

Kearby Benak, the Eagles' lone senior, played well all around the court today, offensively and defensively, according to Birtwistle. She led Eastern's attack with 25 kills over the course of the two matches. Katrina Pisch added 16 kills and Amy Guarino, 13.

Freshman middle hitter Stephanie Elechko (Lansdale, Pa./ North Penn) tallied six kills in each match and two solo blocks and three block assists. "Steph is a big presence in the middle that the other teams will have to focus on," Birtwistle said. Freshman Rylie Haas (Bethlehem, Pa./ Freedom) made 23 digs in Saturday's matches. Haas took over the libero role this season. Birtwistle said that Haas demonstrated poise on the back line and a good sense of the game.

The Eagles finish the tournament at Haverford tomorrow with Susquehanna University at noon and Haverford College at 2 p.m.