WASHINGTON, Pa. - The Salisbury University volleyball team had a successful first day of competition in the Washington & Jefferson Tournament as the Gulls earned two 3-0 victories. 

Salisbury (5-1) started off the day by topping Thiel College (4-5) in three games, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21. Capital Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week Rachel Downes (Salisbury, Md.) proved she was worthy of the title as she had nine kills, nine digs and three service aces in the first match. Junior outside hitter Lexy Fitzkee (Fallston, Md.) contributed to the Gulls' solid performance, tallying 10 kills and six digs in two games. Senior middle hitter Nicole Massarelli (Clarksville, Md.) had six kills and four blocks in the victory.

The Gulls later defeated Penn State-Altoona (5-4), 25-21, 25-18, 25-18, also in three games. Massarelli continued her efforts into the second match as she notched eight kills and two blocks, and Downes performed equally as well, tallying 14 kills and four digs. Freshman middle hitter Chelsea Glowacki (Poolesville, Md.) added one kill and two blocks, and junior outside hitter Melissa Stansbury (Eldersburg, Md.) chalked up four digs and two service aces to give Salisbury the win.

Salisbury will compete in day two of the Washington and Jefferson Tournament tomorrow before they head to York, Pa. to face CAC foe York College on Sept. 16. The Gulls return home on Sept. 18 to host the SU Invitational.