Monaca, PA - The Johnson & Wales University volleyball team split its matches on the first day of the 2017 USCAA Volleyball Classic hosted by Penn State Beaver, sweeping defending PSUAC champions Penn State Fayette 25-17, 25-8, 25-14 before losing in straight sets to perennial powerhouse Rochester College 25-14, 25-18, 25-16.

The Wildcats (2-4) were dominant in their opener, with Toniya Scott leading a balanced attack with five kills.  Moana Reid finished with 11 assists in the match.

"I'm very pleased to start out the tournament with a win over the PSUAC defending champions," said head coach Callie Phillips.  "It's a great statement for our team and a full team win. We got contributions from all over to start us out strong."

In the evening match, Scott once again led the way with six kills while Moana Reid had nine assists.  Halle Franklin led the defensive effort with 10 digs.

"We played a perennial championship contender tonight, and we battled with them in some good rallies," said Phillips.  "Good teams expose our areas for improvement, so we know where we need to get to have a better result against programs of this caliber. We look forward to battling for third place tomorrow afternoon."

The Wildcats will resume play on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. against an opponent yet to be determined in the third place match of the tournament.