FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Spalding University volleyball team opened the season with a dominant 25-13, 25-7 and 25-17 sweep over Franklin College Thursday night in Franklin, Ind.

The Golden Eagle attack was led by the trio of Jessica Diehl, Victoria Heitzman and Ashley Chase. Diehl led the group with nine kills, while Heitzman added eight and Chase seven. Senior setter Katelyn Cosgrove returned the court after sitting out last season with an injury to pass out 27 assists. Koti Weaver and Heitzman anchored the defense with 10 digs apiece.

Spalding dominated the first set 25-13. The Golden Eagles finished the set with a match-high 12 kills, while the Grizzlies finished with eight kills and nine errors.

SU took the second set with very efficient hitting concluding the set with a .533. kill percentage with nine kills and just one error.

The third set was the closest of the three with SU taking it 25-17. The Grizzlies would cut their deficit to one point at 6-7, but the Golden Eagles pulled back out front and went on to close out the match.

Head Coach Bridget Yates commented on her teams play, "Our passing was exceptionally good tonight.  I knew we would have a strong offense and talented hitters, but I cannot say enough about the offensive opportunities our defense gave us. They repeatedly put the ball in Katelyn's hands and let her run our offense."

The Golden Eagles will be back in action Saturday when they head to Berea for a tri-match with host Berea College as well as Centre College. The Golden Eagles take on the Mountaineers at 11 am followed by a 1 pm match with Centre.