STAUNTON, VA - Sara Ritchie and Kayla Smeltzer combined for 30 kills tonight as they led Eastern Mennonite University over Mary Baldwin College 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-20, 25-13) in women's volleyball.

The Fighting Squirrels battled early pulling to a 16-16 tie in the first set before watching the Royals go on a 9-3 run and take the early advantage.

In the second set, it was Mary Baldwin who went on a 6-1 run behind Jessica Hickman's consistent serve to take a 16-10 advantage on their way to 25-20 win to tie the match at 1-1.

The match turned in Eastern Mennonite's favor in the third set when the Royals pulled away from a 15 all tie score. That win seemed to boost the team's confidence. 

Down 9-11 in the final set, EMU went on a 10-0 run and never looked back as they celebrated a 3-1 win and a 4-1 start to their season.

Katelyn Rice continued to lead Mary Baldwin finishing with 16 kills and 9 digs.  Xenna Belfield added 18 digs while Reilly Kelly finished with 11 digs and 27 assists.

Mary Baldwin College falls to 0-5 (0-0 USAS).  The Fighting Squirrels will be back in action September 9 when they travel to Southern Virginia.