UNION, N.J. – The Trine University women's volleyball team opened their season in the Garden State falling in straight sets to Hartwick and hosts Kean on day one of the Kean/William Paterson Invitational.
 
Julia Maggio and Anna Zellers led the way in game one, Maggio had nine kills and Zellers paired 13 assists with three service aces. Emmaline Leatherman had four kills and two blocks. After a disappointing first set the Thunder turned set two into a seesaw battle, taking a 21-19 lead before falling 22-25. Back to back service aces from Zellers gave Trine a 13-9 lead. Kylie Rowland matched Zellers with a pair of aces to rally the Thunder to a 20-20 tie. The Hawks again got the better of the Thunder to claim the match. This marked the first match between the two programs.
 
The second match of the day saw Trine do battle with the tournament's host school, the Kean Cougars. Zellers was again at the dish, notching 11 assists and one service ace. Leatherman had six kills and added a block. A slow start again doomed Trine in set one. Cali Stevons notched a kill and an assist to help Trine rally from a 12-5 deficit, pulling within two points of the lead. Kean allowed Trine no closer and took the set 25-22. Leatherman had two kills and the Thunder defense forced some Cougar errors to lead 8-6. Jordan Budzinski gave Trine the lead once more with a service ace. Kean's offense found their groove and rallied for the sweep.
 
Trine is back in action tomorrow against William Paterson and Smith College. Game one is set for 11:00 a.m.