(FULTON, Mo., Sept. 7)--The William Woods University volleyball team dropped its American Midwest Conference opener 1-3 to Hannibal-LaGrange College on Tuesday night. The Owls lost 25-15, 13-25, 22-25 and 17-25.

Junior Nicole Mannino (St. Charles, Mo.) had 10 kills for the Owls in the loss. Junior Lauren Fleming (Granbury, Texas) recorded 10 kills and three blocks for WWU. Sophomore Emily Nolte (Higginsville, Mo.) added 17 assists for the Owls.

The Owls jumped out to a quick start in the first set. Mannino and senior Brianna Rodriguez (Camdenton, Mo.) combined for seven kills en route to the 25-15 victory. Sophomore Amanda Henley (Jefferson City, Mo.) added seven digs in the set. Henley had a team-high 21 digs for the match.

Hannibal-LaGrange took a 19-8 lead in the second set before play was stopped due to a power outage in Anderson Arena. After power was restored, HL-G took the second set 25-13 behind strong play from a front line of Wanessa Siqueira, Cara McQuality and Abbie Imbierowicz.

The two teams exchanged leads several times in the third set. Siqueira was a force for the Trojans on the outside. She tallied six kills as the Trojans took the set 25-22.

Hannibal-LaGrange pulled away from the Owls late in the fourth set to earn the 25-17 win and take the match.

William Woods falls to 2-3 on the season, 0-1 in the AMC. Hannibal-LaGrange improves to 4-4 on the year, 1-0 in conference.

The Owls will return to action on September 10 at the Central Methodist University Tri-Match.