Eastern Mennonite's volleyball women made a quick trip to the scenic panhandle of western Maryland on Saturday, but came home with nothing to show for it.  The Royals dropped two matches at an invitational hosted by Frostburg State, slipping to 5-8 on the year.

Washington 3, EMU 1
The Royals began their one-day stay at the FSU Tournament against a talented Washington College (Md.) team, and played very well over the first two sets.  The teams traded leads in the first set, with EMU using a 4-0 streak to take a 21-19 edge.  The Shorewomen turned the tables, however, ending on a 3-0 run to steal a 25-23 decision.

Eastern Mennonite had the momentum in the second set, streaking to a double digit lead.  Mattie Lehman (New Paris, Ind./Bethany Christian) dropped in a service ace to cap a 7-0 run which built the cushion to 21-10.  From there the women coasted to a 25-17 win.

Washington then reared its powerful offense, making only one hitting error over the final two sets to grab 25-9 and 25-11 wins.

The Royals' win in set two gave the women the distinction of being the only team to take a set from the Shorewomen over their four matches at the tourney, as WC improved to 8-1 on the year.

Janna Williams (Kenbridge, Va./Kenston Forest) and Sara Ritchie (Harrisonburg, Va./Turner Ashby) each had nine kills to co-lead EMU.  Regan Cook (Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee) and Kayla Smeltzer (Richmond, Va./Maggie L. Walker) each added six.  Jasmine Johnson (Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee) finished with 21 set assists and 11 digs.

Katie Miller (San Antonio, Tex./Brandeis) picked up 22 digs while Lehman came in with 14 digs and two aces.  Cook also had three blocks.

Frostburg State 3, EMU 0
The host Bobcats jumped on the Royals quickly in their match, scoring the first three points and never trailing in a 25-12 opener.  Eastern Mennonite had a 13-12 lead midway through the second set before FSU took over for a 25-17 win.

Frostburg started with a quick run in the third set, forcing the women to play from behind.  They eventually got within two points at 16-14 before the Bobcats pulled away for a 25-17 decision.

The offense was limited in the loss and was led by Ritchie's five kills.  Cook had four kills and three more blocks.  Dani Driver (Cheverly, Md./Elizabeth Seton) put up 15 set assists.  Miller had nine digs.

All-Tournament Team
Following play on Saturday, libero Katie Miller was named to FSU Tournament All-Tournament Team.  In EMU's two matches, Miller solidified the back row and averaged 4.43 digs per set, including 22 total in the match against Washington.

The Royals now prepare for their ODAC opener this Wednesday in Harrisonburg.  EMU hosts Virginia Wesleyan in Yoder Arena with a 7:00pm start time.