[Box Score]
ANCHORAGE, AK - The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team was swept 3-0 (14-25, 21-25, 22-25) by the Drury University Panthers Friday night—the opening night of the Extended Stay Deluxe Invitational in Anchorage.
The Nanooks' biggest disadvantage was at the net. Drury boasted eight players at 5-10 or taller—six more than dressed for Alaska.
Outside hitter Tereza Bendlova led the Nanooks with 13 kills in her first game since transferring from South Alabama.
Mandy Grierson posted an ace in each of the first two sets and added 25 assists. Jessica Eicher aced twice in the second set.
On defense, Bendlova and Jennifer Holland shared the team lead with eight digs apiece. Erica Gage led with two block solos.
Ali Rook led the Panthers offense with nine kills. Elly Citron matched the game-high in service aces with two. Michelle O'Dell led on defense with 11 digs.
The Nanooks starting lineup included Bendlova, freshmen Britt Glaeser and Keri Knight, and Simone Chavous, who did not play in 2009.
With the losses, the Nanooks start the season 0-1 and look forward to Saturday afternoon, when the teams will play again at 1 p.m. Drury then faces Alaska Anchorage at 6 p.m. in the closing match of the tournament.
