Bradford, PA – The Elmira College Women's Volleyball team used a combined team effort to spike its way past Pitt-Bradford 3-0 Wednesday night in the season-opening match for the Soaring Eagles (1-0). EC got out to a quick start winning the first set 25-14, before winning a close second set 25-20, and closing out the Panthers (0-5), 25-13.

The Purple and Gold got great all around contributions from their returners, as well as their newcomers. 2010 All-American Sasha Zavadska '13 (Bratislava, SVK -- The British School) finished with a team-high 14 kills, including eight digs on the defensive side of the ball. 2010 Empire 8 Rooke of the Year Taryn Rumsey '14 (Mansfield, PA -- Mansfield) registered 11 kills, 12 digs and two solo blocks to lead the Soaring Eagle defense. Brittany Raykoske '12 (Johnstown, NY -- Gloversville) registered seven kills, three digs and three block assists.

Molly Short '13 (Sterling, CO -- Sterling) had an extraordinary performance in her first match in the Purple and Gold, compiling an astonishing 33 of the Soaring Eagles 37 assists, as well as seven digs. First year Jessica Hull '15 (Ypsilanti, MI -- Milan) notched nine kills in her first collegiate match.

Catherine Miller '14 (Pittsburg, PA -- Penn Hills) and Francene Cicia '13 (Sunderland, MA -- Frontier Regional) sparked the Soaring Eagle service game by combining to nail four service aces. Cicia also added seven digs. Amanda Matson '13 (Corning, NY -- Corning West) added two block assists.

The EC Women's Volleyball returns to action as they host the Elmira College Volleyball Invitational this Friday and Saturday at Speidel Gymnasium. The Purple and Gold have matches Friday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and square off on Saturday at Noon and 2:00 p.m.