As the season opens up in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Eastern Michigan Women’s volleyball team competes in a triple header in the Queen City Classic Tournament on Aug. 28-29.

The Eagles faced three matchups from Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati and Xavier

University. EMU began the tournament with back to back wins against Northern Kentucky and University of Cincinnati on Friday, Aug. 28, winning all 3 sets in both games.

Unfortunately their win streak was cut short, as the Eagles faced Xavier University on Saturday, Aug. 29; losing in a 3-1 match (22-25, 31-33, 25-20, 17-25).

“All in all I was very impressed with the performance of the team in Queen City,” stated coach Kimi Olson.

“The team played with relatively low error in the first weekend of competition. We are happy with that performance but we will continue to ask them to be more aggressive on the offensive front.”

Senior Stacey Perinar led the team offensively, using a dominant hitting performance that would bring the team a blast of momentum during the tournament.

“Stacey plays a huge part of the team’s offense and defensive success,” said Olson. “An as outside hitter,

she carries a very big load for the team. I am incredibly impressed with the offense that Stacey was able to produce in the first weekend of competition.”

Perinar lead the Eagles with a combined total of 49 kills in the Queen City Classic (13 vs. Northern Kentucky, 14 vs. Cincinnati, and 22 vs. Xavier), aiding the Eagles to a 2-1 opening season record.

Freshman Cassie Haut shipped in a total of 18 kills and 15 blocks during the tournament, along with Devon Murray, who earned total of 20 kills and Katie Krasowski, who had total of 13 kills and 12 blocks.

“Both [offense and defense] were pretty effective,” said Stacey Perinar. “Our team leads in digs for the MAC and we take pride in our defense and being able to pick up balls. “

Eastern Michigan averaged a total of 134 kills, 24% blocks per game, and 21.2% in digs.

“I thought our team did really well this weekend for our first preseason tournament,” added Perinar. “There are definitely some things we need to work on but I think we are off to a great start.”

The Eagles heads back on the road to Indianapolis on Friday, Sept. 4, to participate in the IUPUI Jaguar Tournament. Eastern will face West Virginia University 4:30 p.m. in the IUPUI Gymnasium.

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