(Davenport, Iowa., Oct. 8)--The William Woods University volleyball team dropped its opening match in the St. Ambrose University Tournament on Friday. The Owls lost to the host Bees 3-2.

SAU defeated the Owls 29-27, 20-25, 21-25, 25-14 and 15-12. Senior Brianna Rodriguez (Camdenton, Mo.) and sophomore Alicia Green (Midlothian, Texas) each had 12 kills for WWU. Junior Lauren Fleming (Granbury, Texas) and junior Nicole Mannino (St. Charles, Mo.) added two blocks in the loss.

Freshman Sarah Wehmeyer (Carrollton, Texas) and sophomore Emily Nolte (Higginsville, Mo.) recorded 29 and 25 assists. Sophomore Amanda Henley (Jefferson City, Mo.) led the Owls with 28 digs.

The Owls dropped the final match of the night to Ashford University. The Owls lost 20-25, 26-28, 28-26 and 25-15. Green led the Owls with 14 kills in the loss. Fleming added 11 kills five blocks for WWU.

Wehmeyer and Nolte recorded 23 assists for WWU. Henley again led the Owls with 23 digs.

William Woods will return to tournament action on Saturday. The Owls play the University of St. Francis (Ill.) at 10 am, and an opponent to be determined at 12:30 pm.