WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah University volleyball team dropped its home opener to non-conference opponent Eastern Mennonite, 3-1, Wednesday evening at Shingleton Gymnasium.

The Hornets (0-2) hung tough throughout the match, losing only a single game to the Royals (1-0) by more than two points.

Shenandoah led late in each contest but the young Hornets were unable to get new head coach Sarah Pelster her first SU victory.

Sophomore Jenny Gray (Sumerduck, Va./Liberty) led the attack for SU with a team-high 17 kills, seven of which came in Shenandoah's 30-28 game two triumph.

Junior Hannah Williams (Salem, Va./Glenvar) led defensively with a game-high 21 digs.