ST. LOUIS, Mo. – This evening the Harris-Stowe State University women's volleyball team was back in action when they played host to the Blackburn (Ill.) College Beavers in their first game of the 2021 season. The Hornets were able to defeat the Beavers in five sets (25-20, 16-25, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11) to improve to 1-0 on the season.

The Hornets had a great offensive outing as they racked up 42 kills in five sets for a .086 attacking percentage. They added 65 digs, 39 assists, 10 service aces and four blocks to defeat the Beavers.

Ariel Stroud and Ariyonna Johnson led the way offensively for the Hornets as they both finished with double-digit kills. Stroud finished with a match high 14 kills while Johnson added 10 kills in the match. Stroud also added three digs while Johnson finished with 14 digs and six service aces.

Mallorie Wooten and Valorie Walker ran the offense tonight as both finished with double-digit assists. Walker finished with 12 digs and 12 assists while Wooten finished with a team high 21 assists.

Nyah Parker led the way defensively as she finished with a match high 23 digs. She also added two service aces on the night.

The Hornets will return to the court on Monday, August 30^th when they travel to Eureka, Illinois, to take on the Eureka College Red Devils in a nonconference match. The match is set to start at 6:00 p.m.