Ashland University's volleyball team began the 2015 season in impressive fashion, taking a 3-0 decision (25-18, 25-20, 25-17) from host Clarion on Friday (Sept. 4) at the Tony Banner Memorial.
The Eagles' attack was strong throughout, as they finished the match with a team hitting percentage of .264. Junior outside hitter Alli Cudworth paced AU with 11 kills to go with eight digs on defense. Fellow junior outside hitter Casey Clark added nine kills and eight digs, while sophomore defensive specialist Melanie Aguayo had a team-high nine digs.
Junior setter Mallory Slyder, in her first match at Ashland, recorded 31 assists and six digs.
Ashland's defense held Clarion to a team hitting percentage of .075.
Friday's win marks the fourth time in the last five seasons the Eagles have begun a season with a win.
Ashland will continue play at Clarion on Friday at 3 p.m. against North Alabama, and on Saturday (Sept. 5) at 9 a.m. against Indianapolis and 1 p.m. against Gannon.
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