TOPEKA, Kan – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs volleyball team opened the 2018 season at the Washburn Invitational presented by the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, Kan. on Friday.  The Mountain Lions started the season with a strong match sweep over Henderson State University (22, -22, -21).  UCCS fell in the second match of the day to Dallas Baptist University, 3-0.
 
Against HSU, the Mountain Lions notched at least 15 kills in each set, including 19 kills in set one.  After posting a .500 hitting mark in the opening set, UCCS finished the match with a solid 50 kills and .300 hitting mark.
 
Raelynn Edge tallied 39 assists against HSU as three Mountain Lions accounted for double digit kills.  Josie Russell led both teams with a match high 15 kills and committed only one error on 25 attempts for a solid .560 hitting percentage.  Lauren Brown added 11 kills and a .500 hitting mark, followed by Grace Nelson with 10 kills.
 
Defensively, Jordyn Kinsey dug up a match high 20 attacks.  Brinton added 11 digs followed by Aly Morgan's 10. 
 
In Friday's 3-1 setback (15-25, 23-25, 25-22, 12-25) to DBU, the Mountain Lions recorded 42 kills and were held to a .080 hitting mark.
 
Kinsey and Brown led UCCS' defense with 18 digs and four blocks, respectively.
 
Brinton paced the offense with 11 kills and accounted for two of the Mountain Lions four aces.
 
UCCS will be back in action on Saturday when they face host school Washburn University at 10 a.m. and William Jewell at 2 p.m.