Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball team fell short in the 2010 season opener, losing to visiting Point Park in three games, 26-28, 19-25 and 22-25 on Thursday evening at the Newt Oliver Arena. 

Rio Grande (0-1) jumped out quickly to a 6-1 lead in the first game, but the game tightened and both teams went back and forth sharing leads before Point Park forged ahead to win, 28-26.

Point Park (1-0) took control of the second game and kept the RedStorm at arm's length in winning 25-19.

The RedStorm again started strong in the third game, leading 7-0, but could not counter the mini-runs by Point Park as the visitors chipped away and finally took the lead at 22-21 before closing out the match, 25-22.

Sophomore outside hitter Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) led the way offensively for the RedStorm with 15 kills in the losing effort. Fellow sophomore Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH) notched 10 kills and posted six solo blocks and one block assist. Senior outside hitter Rachel Walker (Ironton, OH) added six kills while sophomore Erin Moore (South Webster, OH) chipped in with five. Junior Kati Moore (Lancaster, OH) was a factor at the net with 10 solo blocks and one block assist.

Freshman libero Nicole Ogg (Albany, OH) paced the defense with 13 digs. Smith was on the verge of double figures with nine digs. 

Senior setter Ashley Bloom (Worthington, OH) handed out 20 assists while freshman Kayla Landaker (Coshocton, OH) produced 13 assists in her collegiate debut. 

"We felt like we were as much in control at any time as they were, when they would have a run, it would be two or three points at a time and we just couldn't get those little runs and get on top of the swing as much as we needed to," said Rio Grande head coach Billina Donaldson. 

Donaldson was able to play some of her talented newcomers and came away impressed with their efforts. "(Kayla) Landaker, she did some amazing things tonight," Donaldson said. "She did things tonight that you just don't see freshman setters do and (Cindy) Willis went in there, she said she was nervous, but she didn't look nervous at all."

"Jaymie Rector, she went out there and played like she had been playing with us for a couple of years and Nicole Ogg was solid, I didn't see her make one mistake all night," Donaldson added. "She just was amazing."

Rio will have a quick turnaround as they play host Indiana University East and Martin Methodist on Friday in the first day of the 1^st annual Aces in August Classic. Mid-South Conference foe University of the Cumberlands is also a part of the field. 

"When we play IUE tomorrow, they're very comparable to Point Park, a lot of big girls coming at you all the time and Martin Methodist has a lot of big girls that jump out of the gym," Donaldson said. "If we block and don't miss serves tomorrow will be right there with them point for point."

"We're looking for a win," Donaldson added.

The first matches are set for 5 p.m. while the nightcap will begin at 7 p.m.