Monaca, PA - A strong first day at the USCAA Tip-Off Tournament has the JWU Volleyball Team moving on to the semifinals. The event, hosted by Penn State Beaver, brings together some of the top USCAA volleyball programs from around the country. The Wildcats won in convincing fashion on Day One, defeating Christendom and Penn State Beaver.

The opening match pitted JWU (5-0) against Christendom College. The Wildcats took the match in straight sets, 3-1. Jamie Hay (13) and Taylor Walker (10) both racked up double digit kills against the Crusaders (2-3). Moana Reid led the team with 39 assists, while Kendall Watson paced the team with 29 digs. Watson also led the Wildcats with five service aces.

The host school, Penn State Beaver (0-2), was the second opponent of the day. The Wildcats remained undefeated, winning the match, 3-0. Toniya Scott's 14 kills led the Wildcats. Kendall Watson (26) and Kerie Ketchie (16) both had double-digit digs, and Moana Reid again led JWU with 30 assists.

Head Coach Callie Phillips is relishing the opportunity to test the team. "I'm pleased with our results after facing two good USCAA Division II programs today. The team is excited to be in the semifinals of the tournament, and we look forward to the challenge tomorrow."

JWU has earned the 2nd seed in the semifinals and will take on the 3rd seeded Univeristy of Maine at Fort Kent on 9/1 at 1:00 pm. A win in that match will see the Wildcats square off with the winner of the 1st seed Florida National University vs 4th seed Carlow University for the USCAA Tip-Off Tournament trophy.