Sophomore hitter Emily Flamm led a balanced attack with nine kills, as the University of Mary Washington volleyball team defeated Cedar Crest College in three games in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night at Ron Rosner Arena. Game scores were 25-9, 25-12, 25-10; the Eagles improve to 25-7, and advance to Friday's second round.

The Eagles came out strong, jumping out to a large lead in the first, and continued to excel en route to a 25-9 victory in game one. The Falcons fought hard to start the second, taking the lead early, before the Eagles responded to take a 25-12 win. The Eagles again jumped ahead confortably in the third, and raced to a 25-10 victory in the deciding game.

"Having a team with no players with prior NCAA Tournament experience, it was great to go out and play the way we did", said UMW head Coach Alex Hinsey. "To get the in and to get everyone in was really a memorable experience."

Flamm led the balanced attack with nine kills, while honorable mention all-region selection Jordan Lyons posted seven kills, and sophomore Chloe Crosen added six. Sophomore Lauren Foley scored 17 assists, while junior Brenna Campbell added 14, and soph Hannah Livermon added four service aces and 13 digs. Sophomore Sarah Moore scored five kills and added 10 digs, and all-region senior Krista Rodgers scored five kills and four total blocks.

The Eagles will advance to the second round to face Eastern University, who defeated Marymount University, 3-2, on Thursday. Match time is set for 7:00 pm at Ron Rosner Arena.