SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University volleyball team started strong Friday on Day One of the Salisbury University Invitational in the Maggs Center. The Gulls defeated both Messiah College and Susquehanna University in straight sets to increase Salisbury's winning streak to nine straight matches. SU is a perfect 7-0 at home this season and have won its last four matches by the same 3-0 score.

Salisbury (16-5) came out on fire in the first match with a dominating 30-13, 30-25, 30-21 victory against the Falcons (11-8). Junior Stacey Krebs led the Sea Gull attack with 12 kills, nine digs and three service aces. Fellow junior Jaime Marzocchi added 43 assists, 10 digs and three kills. Sophomore Rachel Downes smashed 14 kills and made 10 digs against the Falcons. Sophomore Nicole Massarelli and freshman Kathleen Cinelli each added 11 kills in the opening win for the maroon and gold.

In the nightcap, Salisbury wasted little time as they jumped out to an early lead over the Susquehanna Crusaders. Sophomore libero Gabby Long recorded six digs and three service aces. Marzocchi picked up where she left off with 39 assists, five service aces, three kills and one dig. Krebs added 15 kills and eight digs to her earlier totals as she continues to lead the team in kills. SU did not allow more than 20 points in a set as the Gulls rolled past the Crusaders 30-15, 30-20, 30-14.

Salisbury will face Capital Athletic Conference foe Gallaudet University tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 p.m. in a non-conference affair because of the tournament format. The Sea Gulls close out the invitational with a match against SUNY New Paltz at 2 p.m.

SU INVITATIONAL NOTES: In other SU Invitational action SUNY New Paltz swept Susquehanna University 3-0 (30-28, 30-26, 30-26). . .Gallaudet University swept Messiah College 3-0 (30-13, 30-15, 30-28) and defeated SUNY New Paltz 3-1 (32-30, 21-30, 30-19, 30-16).