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PHOENIX, Ariz.- The Belhaven University volleyball team opened up their 2017 season in Arizona on Friday evening at the Arizona Christian Tournament, but were unable to seal a victory in either of their two matches.

Belhaven was swept in both matches by scores of 3-0 against tournament host Arizona Christian University and Benedictine College.

In the opening match, the Green and Gold were unable to swing the momentum in their favor as they dropped the first two sets by identical scores of 25-19. In the third and final set, ACU pulled away late and held on for a 25-15 set victory.

Belhaven was led by senior Kelly Aholt, who collected a team-high 20 assists along with five digs.

Freshman Sydney McEachern posted nine digs in her Blazer debut, and junior Lauren Whiting registered eight kills in the loss.

Arizona Christian finished the match with 40 kills, outscoring the Blazers by a margin of 17, who notched 23 in the contest.

Unfortunately for the Blazers, they fell behind early in their final match of the evening against Benedictine and could not rebound from the slow start. Belhaven faltered in the opening set 25-15, and then dropped the second set by a score of 25-17.

The Green and Gold jumped out to a quick 6-1 advantage in the third set, but the lead would dwindle as play continued.

Benedictine regained the lead and momentum after taking a 10-8 lead. The Ravens added onto their lead after winning five consecutive points and pulled away to win the set  25-18 and clinch the match.

Despite the defeat, the Blazers committed a low number of unforced errors, but were ultimately unable to sustain a successful offensive attack at the net.

Kelly Aholt tabbed 18 assists and four digs, while Blaykleigh Smythe recorded one solo block and two block assists. Ryan Hardin tallied a team-high seven kills.

The Blazers fall to 0-2 on the year, and will compete again tomorrow afternoon against Embry-Riddle and University of Antelope Valley at noon and 2 p.m. CT.

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