From Emory University Athletics

The No. 4-ranked Emory volleyball team opened its 2016 season in impressive style on Friday evening, earning Emory Classic victories over Saint Thomas and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The Eagles topped Saint Thomas, 3-1, in their first contest before registering a 3-0 triumph over the Titans of Oshkosh in the nightcap.

Emory hit .239 (62-25—155) in the bout vs. Saint Thomas compared to the Tommies' effort of .103 (32-19—126). Senior middle Jessica Holler was a dominating presence, pounding out a career-high 19 kills and finishing with a blazing hitting percentage of .593 (19-3—27). In addition to her offensive numbers, Holler chipped in five digs and posted a match-high six (1-5) blocks.  Sophomore Karissa Dzurik came through with 15 terminations, her second-highest career mark, and added a pair of aces and nine digs to the cause. Senior Sarah Maher rounded out team's double-figure attackers with 13 kills to go along with a .423 hitting mark. Emory enjoyed a 71-58 advantage in digs with freshmen Elyse Thompson (19) and Sara Carr (17) combing for 36. Thompson's mark tied for match honors. Freshman Sarah Porter and junior Hannah Billings chalked up 28 and 20 assists, respectively.

The Eagles were extremely efficient with their attack No. 25 UW-Oshkosh, closing out the match hitting .328 (54-15—119) vs. the Titans' .202 (28-10—89). Dzurik led all players with 11 kills while Holler and sophomore Sydney Leimbach each chipped in 10. Holler closed out the first day of the Classic hitting .511 (29-6—45). Freshman Morgan McKnightmade the most of her playing time, blasting away for nine terminations and a .364 hitting performance (9-1—22). Porter and Billings each amassed 13 assists with Porter adding 11 digs and Billings three service aces.