SCRANTON, PA -- The RIT (1-0) women's volleyball team began the 2019 season with a convincing 3-0 win over Coast Guard Academy (0-1) at the University of Scranton Invitational Friday evening. Scores were 25-18, 25-22, and 26-24.

Offensively, Sophomore Katie Hobler (Rochester, NY/Our Lady of Mercy) led the Tigers with 14 kills, hitting .483 for the match. Taylor Higgins (Peru, NY/Peru) added eight kills, while Kelly Waters (Burnt Hills, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) chipped in five kills and two assisted blocks. Brianna Ellis (Wayne, PA/Radnor) finished with 29 assists to go along with seven digs and a service ace. Higgins led RIT with a pair of service aces, while Maria Simonetti (Rochester, NY/Our Lady of Mercy) led the Tigers with 17 digs.

"We are really pleased with how we performed against a very good Coast Guard team," said RIT head coach Jim Lodes. "At times we played great defense and transitioned so well. We also passed at a high level most of the match. It was a really good start to 2019. Tomorrow will be a new challenge against two more really good teams."

The Tigers return to action Saturday morning when the Tigers face host University of Scranton at 11 a.m. followed by a match against SUNY New Paltz at 3 p.m.