LEBANON, Ill. - SWOSU Volleyball opened the season with a 3-1 victory over McKendree in the Thursday portion of the weekend tournament.

Each set was tightly contested, with no margin greater than six points and no set decided by more than five.

The opening frame proved pivotal. With the score tied at 26, freshman Kaylyn Christy delivered back-to-back kills to seal the set for the Dawgs.

After splitting the next two sets, SWOSU found itself in another tight battle in the fourth. Deadlocked at 20-20, the Dawgs pushed ahead 24-22 with match point in sight. McKendree pulled within one, but a timely timeout from Head Coach Josh Collins helped settle a lineup featuring three freshmen. The regroup paid off, as SWOSU closed the match with a 25-23 win.

Christy led the way with 15 kills on a team-high 38 attempts, while senior Hailey Smith tied her career high with 14. Paris Patterson added 12 kills, and freshman Sydnee Winfrey chipped in 10 on a team-best .450 hitting percentage.

Setter Cameron Turner shattered her previous career high in assists, tallying 50 in the four-set contest. Libero Jada Permenter anchored the defense with 19 digs and added two service aces.

As a team, the Dawgs out-hit McKendree .279 to .178 but were hampered by 21 service errors compared to the Bearcats' 10.

SWOSU now turns its attention to a quick turnaround tomorrow, with two matches scheduled—Minnesota Duluth at 11:30 a.m. and Michigan Tech at 4:30 p.m.