Gulls Struggle in Season Opener

Sept. 1, 2006

BEVERLY, MA - The top ranked Endicott College women's volleyball got of rough start at the 2006 Pikes Peak Challenge in Colorado. The Gulls dropped their first two games on Friday losing to tournament hosts Colorado College 30-19, 30-16, 30-15 and to St. Olaf 30-22, 30-23 and 30-15. Despite the losses coach Tim Byram feels the Gulls are still in good shape.

"It's a steady progression. Both of those teams have been ranked in the top 25 in the past few years, so they are legit, we will still be ok," Byram said. They Gulls got solid performances from a number of players including sophomore Hayley Janelle who lead the team in kills against Colorado with four, she also had six kills against St. Olaf.

Sophomore Brittany Nolan had nine digs in each of the two games while junior Megan Hall and sophomore Casey Ward added 13 and 12 assists respectively. Freshmen Steph Wiese kicked off her career at EC with two aces against Colorado College.

The Gulls will next take on Gustavus Adolphus Saturday at 10 a.m. and will most likely play in the consolation game in the afternoon. EC returns home on September 9, playing host to Keene State, Salve Regina and Eastern Connecticut State.