GETTYSBURG, Pa. - Gallaudet University women's volleyball team began it's 2018 season here Friday on the first day of the Battlefield Classic hosted by Gettysburg College. The Bison were swept by the host Bullets and Messiah College this evening.

GU (0-2) struggled to find its flow going up against tough competition coupled with new players trying to mesh with the team. Familiar faces pushed the Bison even when it was apparent they were outmatched. 

In the first match, junior outsider hitter Adele Daniels (Austin, Texas) made a team-high eight kills while senior middle hitter Shua Clay (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and junior outside hitter Tessa Lewis (Frederick, Md.) recorded six kills each. Sophomore middle hitter Karita Lewis (Frederick, Md.) added five kills. Freshman setter Emma Giuntoli (Austin, Texas) passed out a game-high 20 assists in her buff and blue debut. 

Gettysburg was led by starter Allie Stranick with 12 kills and 23 total attacks, followed by Francesca Garison with seven kills and 19 total attacks.

In the second match, GU lost a tough first set 22-25 to Messiah. The Falcons then coasted 8-25 and 17-25 over the Bison. Tessa Lewis led the way with nine kills while her cousin Karita Lewis added six and Daniels added five. Giuntoli tallied 13 assists.

Messiah was led by Payton Manwaring and Mary Underman who recorded seven kills.

UP NEXT
GU continues the Battlefield Classic tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 1,) against McDaniel College (10 a.m.) and Penn St.-Altoona (2 p.m.).