CHARLESTON, Ill. – The Green Bay volleyball team squared off against Eastern Illinois (0-1) to open the 2017 campaign at the EIU Panther Invitational. The Phoenix (1-0) cruised to a three-set victory in the opener, winning by scores of 22-25, 18-25, and 22-25.

Tournament play will resume tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. with Green Bay facing Bradley. Following the matchup with the Braves, the Phoenix will return to the court in the afternoon to face Memphis.

With the victory, Green Bay has been on the winning end of its last three season openers.

Green Bay controlled most of the first set with the Panthers fighting back to challenge the Phoenix lead, tying the match six times. The Phoenix attack proved to be too much for the Panthers as Green Bay took the first set, 25-22.

In the second set Green Bay jumped out to a quick lead with the help of senior Lydia Deweese who tallied a match-high 18 kills on the day. The Phoenix went on to claim the second set by a score of 25-18.

EIU challenged in the third set taking a 15-10 lead following Green Bay attack error and would even push the lead to 19-16, but Green Bay answered with a 4-0 run eventually putting away the match 25-22.

Maddie Yoss directed the Phoenix offense on Friday night and finished with 46 assists. Vanessa Buman finished with a match-best 16 digs and Taylor Totka led the Phoenix with three blocks.

SATURDAY MATCHES
Opponent No. 1: vs Bradley
Location: Lantz Arena
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 10:30 p.m. CT

Opponent No. 2: vs Memphis
Location: Lantz Arena
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 4 p.m. CT
 
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