KEUKA PARK, N.Y. – The Gallaudet University women's volleyball team, the three-time defending North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) champions, began its defense of the title with a bang on Saturday as they took down conference opponents Cazenovia College and SUNY Cobleskill in straight sets on the campus of Keuka College.

Gallaudet (8-3, 2-0 NEAC) defeated Cazenovia  in a quick match; 25-7, 25-9, 25-11. The Bison had an impressive 17 service aces in the match. GU then turned around and defeated SUNY Cobleskill, 25-10, 25-20, 25-18.

Junior captain Kali Frowick (Norfolk, Neb.) led the team with nine kills and nine digs against the Wildcats (3-12, 0-1 NEAC). Senior captain Lane Peters (Phoenix, Ariz.) was right behind Frowick with seven kills, five service aces and four digs of her own. Setters TraciAnn Hoglind (Fishers, Ind.) and freshman Tarja Lewis (Frederick, Md.) combined for 32 assists in the win. Hoglind and Peters had five service aces each to help the Bison post a season-high 17 service aces.

Frowick and freshman Jasmine Jeter (Noblesville, Ind.) continued the attack in the second match against SUNY Cobleskill with eight kills and seven kills, respectively. Sophomore libero Kate Fetzer (Noblesville, Ind.) led the team in digs with 11. Hoglind and Lewis combined for 29 assists to help take down the Fighting Tigers (5-9, 0-2 NEAC). The Bison served up 25 service aces in six sets on Saturday.

GU will complete the NEAC Crossover Weekend when it plays the host Storm (7-4, 1-0 NEAC) tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 22) at 11 a.m.