ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Duhawks.com) – Behind a stellar performance from sophomore Danni Kennedy, the Loras College Women's Volleyball team took down the Fontbonne Griffins, 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-16) in day two of the Labor Day Classic. With 15 kills from Kennedy and points on 19 serves by junior Christina Angeli, the Duhawks wrapped up their first win of the 2014 season.

"We came into today fighting for every point, playing with passion, and playing with a purpose," head coach Jenna Ness said.

In game one, a trio of plays by sophomore Therese Schultz put the Duhawks up 10-5. Kennedy followed the lead of Schultz and crushed a ball for the kill forcing Fontbonne to take a timeout. Out of the timeout, Loras pushed their lead to eight, 15-7.

After trading points, Kennedy tipped the ball over the block and just inside the line to bring the serve back to the Duhawks. The smart play of Kennedy proved to be timely for the Duhawks as junior Christina Angeli's serve caused the Griffins serve receive fits.

Kennedy's kill just inside the far corner pushed the Duhawks lead to 20-8, forcing Fontbonne to use another timeout. Another stifling serve by Angeli caused some miscommunication by the Griffins as two players collided and Angeli recorded the ace.

Fittingly, a poor pass off the serve was put right at the net. Kennedy took advantage of the opportunity and put it away at the net, sealing the game one victory 25-8 for the Duhawks. Loras was paced by a fantastic attack, hitting .462 for the game.

Game two started similar to the way game one ended, with Angeli serving. More miscues at the hands of the Griffins and big plays at the net by juniors Liz Jendra and Kara Kentner alongside Kennedy paced an 11-0 run by Loras. A late rally by Fontbonne would fall short as the Duhawks held the Griffins to a -.333 team kill percentage for the game.

In game three, an ace by junior Harris Hunter put the Duhawks ahead, 7-1. After tacking on a few more points, Fontbonne was once again forced to call a timeout.
Unfortunately for the Griffins, the timeout allowed the Duhawks to take a breather before going back to the court to take care of business. A kill by junior Taylor Serrano was followed up by a pair of kills by Hunter to extend the Duhawks lead to 11.

A few points later, Kennedy tipped a ball deep down the line giving Loras the 22-8 lead. Fontbonne made a late push before a kill by junior Liz Jendra silenced the Griffins. On the next play, the Duhawks earned the point on a Fontbonne error to take game three, 25-16.

The three game sweep gave the Duhawks the match win, their first of the season.

"I had full confidence in our team and let them play through Fontbonne's push," Ness said. "Letting them do that helps them build trust in each other."

Kennedy led the way for the Duhawks with a .650 kill percentage while senior Courtney Boyd led the team with 11 digs.

"Our defense was so good tonight," Ness said. "It allowed us to stay in system and opened things up in the middle for Danni."

Kentner turned in another solid performance on Saturday, hitting .261 with 9 kills, 11 digs, and 11 assists. Fueling the success of the hitters was sophomore Jenna Erickson. Erickson led the team with 20 assists, skillfully choosing where and when to set it.

After the elusive win, Loras is ready to come home and play in front of Duhawk Nation.

"We're excited to play at home in front of a home crowd," Ness said.

The Duhawks head home 1-2 on the season with a five-game home stand on the horizon. Loras opens the season at home Tuesday as they take on Grinnell College. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Athletic and Wellness Center.