GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Four players recorded at least eight kills as the Washington & Jefferson College volleyball team picked up a 3-1 victory over Grove City Friday evening in the Presidents' Athletic Conference opener for both teams. 

The Red and Black prevailed after a back and forth battle with the Wolverines for the duration of the evening. After dropping the initial set of the night by a 25-23 margin, the Presidents responded by winning the next three sets. W&J rolled to a 25-13 decision in the second set to even the match. The Presidents scored four of the final five points in the third set to take a 2-1 edge. W&J then finished off the victory with a late run in the fourth to take the set 25-19. With the score even at 19-19, the Presidents tallied the final six points to clinch the victory. Junior setter Alexis Tomassini (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettysburg) recorded two service aces during the run. An ace by Tomassini clinched the fourth set and match for the Presidents. 

The Presidents top four hitters, all sophomores or freshmen, combined for 37 of the team's 43 kills during the match. Net play was a major advantage for the Presidents on the evening, as W&J finished with 16 blocks in the four-set victory. 

Newcomers Lizzie Carmichael (Wyoming, Ohio/Wyoming) and Lauren Gill (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North) were strong in the middle in their collegiate debuts. Carmichael recorded 10 kills and 10 total blocks. Gill added nine kills, six total blocks and posted a team-best .421 hitting percentage.

Sophomore Claire Sauerland (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) matched Carmichael with 10 kills of her own. Sophia Sacriponte (Butler, Pa./Butler Area) played a solid all-around game, as the sophomore finished with eight kills and a team-high 19 digs. 

Katie Conner (Pittsburgh, Pa./Vincentian Academy) and Madison Simpson (Washington, Pa./Chartiers Houston) combined to tally 30 digs to aid the defensive unit. Tomassini finished with 32 assists. 

W&J (1-0, 1-0 PAC) hosts Westminster College on Tuesday, March 2 at Salvitti Family Gymnasium. First set is scheduled for 7 p.m.