Box Score: ASU 3, UAPB 0
Box Score: ASU 0, UNF 3

The Alabama State University volleyball team opened the season at the University of Central Florida Invitational and earned a split on the opening day.

The Lady Hornets opened the 2013 season with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-20) win over fellow Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) member Arkansas-Pine Bluff, before falling 3-0 (25-27, 13-25, 23-25) to North Florida in the afternoon contest.

"I am so pleased with the way the kids made adjustments today," Head Coach Penny Lucas-White said. "We were right there at game point in two of the games against UNF and just couldn't close it, but North Florida is a really good team and we were right with them."

Sophomore Amber Bennett concluded a solid first day with 18 total kills, including eight against North Florida. She hit .375 for the day. Brooke Beasley had 38 assists over the two games and also chipped in with eight kills. Luiza Griz had 15 digs. Dragana Cvoric and Tiara Kelley made their debuts for ASU and completed the day with 14 kills (Cvoric) and 11 (Kelley).

"Amber played great in both games," Lucas-White said. "She is reading across the front line so well and is closing in on everything that is close to her. She had several blocks and continues to improve as an offensive player."

The first game of the day saw ASU hit .397 as a team against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, again with Bennett leading the way in kills with 10. Cvoric contributed with eight kills while LaToya Ellington had a career-high seven.

"It took us a while to get going in that first game," Lucas-White said. "Once we got the win we just got on a roll in the second game with everything working for us. We passed the ball well, played solid defense and finished plays."

Beasley and Ellyn Jones both handled the assists duties with Beasley finishing with 22 and Jones 14. Beasley also had four kills. Luiza Griz led the Lady Hornets with eight digs.

"We were so even in our stats for our setters today and that is huge for us," Lucas-White added. "Ellyn's contributions (25 assists) opens up Brooke even more and it just makes us a more complete offensive team."

Alabama State (1-1) will be back in action tomorrow; once again opening the second day of action by facing Valparaiso at 9 a.m. ASU's final game of the Invite will be against the host team Central Florida at 2:30 p.m.

"There is a lot of parity in this tournament with North Florida, Valparaiso and Central Florida, with Valpo being the team with the most seniors," Lucas-White said. "I am really excited to see how we will play tomorrow because I know we can play with them."