Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball team fell to 0-3 on the season, losing twice on Friday evening in the 1^st Annual Aces in August Classic at the Newt Oliver Arena. Rio lost the first match to a very good Indiana University East squad in three games, 11-25, 15-25 and 20-25. Rio dropped the nightcap in four games, 25-17, 20-25, 20-25, and 21-25 to Martin Methodist.

Rio Grande could never get anything going in the first match against IU East (6-0). Sophomore Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH) led the way with seven kills. She also had three solo blocks and two block assists. Sophomore outside hitter Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) added six kills and senior outside hitter Rachel Walker (Ironton, OH) chipped in with five kills. Smith and freshman libero Nicole Ogg (Albany, OH) led the defense with seven digs each. Freshman Cindy Willis (Athens, OH) added five digs. 

Senior setter Ashley Bloom (Worthington, OH) handed out 10 assists. 

Paige Lay led the Red Wolves with 10 kills and Lauren Crump produced 35 assists. 

Rio started well against Martin Methodist (2-0), winning the first game 25-17, but the RedHawks bounced back to take the match in four games with hard fought wins, 25-20, 25-20 and 25-21. 

Smith and Sherman paced the offense for the RedStorm with eight kills each. Cindy Willis added six kills while sophomore outside hitter Tresa Swatzel (Shade, OH) and junior middle hitter Kati Moore (Lancaster, OH) tallied five kills each.

Smith led the defense as well with 17 digs while Ogg collected 14 and Willis recorded eight. 

Bloom dished out 16 assists while freshman Kayla Landaker (Coshocton, OH) produced 12 assists. 

Rio Grande will open Mid-South Conference play on Saturday morning versus the University of the Cumberlands (0-2) on day two of the Aces in August Classic. The match will get underway at 9 a.m.