LEXINGTON, Va. - The Royals made the short trek down 81 south on Tuesday, squaring off with Washington and Lee in both teams conference openers. 

EMU played the Generals tight, especially in the first and third sets, but it was W&L picking up the 3-0 (25-21, 25-10, 25-17) win. 

Records: EMU 2-5, 0-1 ODAC | Washington and Lee 9-0, 1-0 ODAC

Highlights 

• A kill from Lizzy Kirkton got things started for EMU, giving the Royals an early lead. A 5-1 W&L run put the Generals on top before the teams swapped points to 10-6, W&L. EMU picked up two straight off the hands of Laney Cline and Madison Stockner, to pull within a pair. The Generals scored four of the next five, forcing an EMU timeout. The teams once again traded points until, with Washington and Lee leading 19-14, EMU reeled off four straight, highlighted by kills from Sophia Denby and Kirkton, along with a pair of Karla Hostetter aces. The Generals pulled back ahead, this time 22-18, and despite two kills from Cline, took set one. 
• Once again the Royals took the opening point of the set, this time on a block from Denby and Kenley Smith. The Generals scored five straight and EMU called a timeout. Out of the break, EMU scored three of four and pulled within two, but W&L would answer with a 9-1 tilt, taking a 15-5 lead. Kills from Denby and Kirkton, along with a trio of W&L errors, would benefit EMU, but the Generals would finish out the set with four of the final five points. 
• This time it was W&L with the hot start, pulling out to a 4-0 lead in the third before a 3-0 run from EMU. After a W&L kill, a point from Bella Short brought the Royals back within one once again. A 3-0 W&L run extended their lead but EMU kept it close with a Smith block and kills from Cline and and Denby to cut the lead to one. Later in the set, with EMU trailing 14-12, the Generals scored four straight to take an 18-12 advantage. Another Kirkton kill and a General error would pull EMU back within four but that would be as close as they'd get as W&L scored four of the final five points to take the set and the match.

Statistical Leaders
Kills: Kirkton (9), Denby, Cline (7)
Assists: Megan Miller (11)
Digs: Manuela Marin (12)
Blocks: Smith (2.0)

What's Next
EMU will be back on the road this weekend when they head to Washington DC for a tri-match. They'll take on host Catholic at noon Saturday before finishing the day with Gwynedd Mercy at 2 pm. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU women's volleyball program this year, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.