ETTRICK, Va. – The Shepherd University volleyball team opened the season with a pair of wins at the VSU Opening Weekend Invitational at Virginia State on Friday. The Rams(2-0) posted a 25-17, 25-11, 27-25 win over Bowie State(0-1) in the early match and added a 25-14, 25-21, 25-15 victory in the later match against host Virginia State (0-2).

Junior middle hitter/right side Sophia Ryan (Monroe, N.Y./Monroe Woodbury) had 11 kills and freshman outside hitter Ada McCoy (Bunker Hill, W.Va./Musselman) added 10 to pace the Rams against Bowie State. Junior middle hitter Rylee Lenz (Earleville, Md./Bohemia Manor)added eight kills, while junior outside hitter Amya Davis (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson) contributed seven kills and four aces. 
                          
Senior libero/defensive specialist Madigan Faircloth (Inwood, W.Va./Musselman/Liberty) recorded a match-high 23 digs, and senior setter Macy Buso (Parker, Colorado/Chaparral) contributed 32 assists and four kills..

Madyson Brinson had eight kills and Trinity Loundmon added 16 assists and nine digs to lead the Bulldogs.

McCoy had 12 kills and five digs while Ryan added nine kills to lead the Rams against Virginia State. McCoy had an impressive .500 attack percentage.

Faircloth posted 17 digs, and Buso contributed 25 assists.

Amaya Cooper had 10 kills, while Peyton Reese had 22 assists and five digs for the Trojans.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they face Concord at 1 p.m. for final day tourney action.