Ave Maria, FL -- The Ave Maria University volleyball team dropped their Sun Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at the Tom Golisano Field House, falling in three sets to the Webber International Warriors, 17-25, 18-25, 16-25. The first match of conference play saw the Warriors move to 9-1, while the Gyrenes fell to 3-5.

In each of the first two games, the Lady Gyrenes hung around with the Warriors, but could not close the gap created by Webber International runs. In the first game, Ave Maria trailed just 17-12 before Webber scored seven of the next nine points to take a commanding lead. A similar run propelled the second set game victory, and Webber International overcame a 6-4 Gyrene lead in the third to claim their most decisive victory of the match.

For the Gyrenes, Lexy Smith and Hannah Wurster led the way with eight kills each. Smith's eight kills came without an error. Jessica Sanchez was next on the stat sheet with five kills, and Lexie Andric ended up with four. Lauren Ruby supplied 25 of Ave Maria's 26 assists, and also added 11 digs. Jessica Schein paced the Gyrenes with 13 kills from the libero position.

Webber International's Tessa Colden recorded a game-high ten kills and also supplied 11 digs, and reigning Sun Conference Libero of the Year Michelle Calderon had 15 digs and five service aces in the victory. Carlee Baxter accounted for 36 assists for the Warriors.

Following the defeat on Saturday, the Gyrenes continue conference play on Wednesday against Johnson and Wales in North Miami, with the contest scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. The next home match is set for Friday night at the Golisano Field House, as the Lady Gyrenes battle the Tigers of Trinity College at 7 p.m.