SHERMAN, Texas - The Trinity University volleyball team snatched a pair of Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference victories from its host, Austin College, Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers won the first match of the day in four sets (25-12, 22-25, 25-17, 25-12), then shut the door in the second match in straight sets (25-17, 25-12, 25-23).

THE RUNDOWN

The offense was led by senior outside hitter Annie Rose Leggett (Austin, Texas / Westwood) and junior rightside hitter Sara Flynn (Seattle, Wash. / Roosevelt); the former racked up 28 kills on 52 swings for a .404 attack clip while the latter added 20 kills for a .600 hitting mark and a trio of blocks.

Leggett also kept the pace on the receiving end, collecting 24 digs between the two contests for a pair of double-doubles to open the campaign. Senior outside hitter Avery Tuggle (Cedar Creek, Texas / Cedar Creek) led the Tigers overall in digs at 26, followed by sophomore libero/defensive specialist Nadia Kern (El Paso, Texas / Montwood) tied with Leggett at 24.

Junior middle blocker Emma Funk (Pass Christian, Miss. / Our Lady Academy) was a menace at the net in the first match, stuffing six Kangaroo attacks through Saturday's first four sets while junior middle blocker Emily Ellis (Georgetown, Texas / Georgetown) kept the Austin College offense at bay over the afternoon with five blocks altogether and three solo blocks in the opening match.

The Tigers hit just one bump in the road Saturday as they allowed the Kangaroos the second set of the opening match; one of only two sets across both contests where the host reached 18 points.

Trinity hit at a .275 percentage or better in all but one frame, including a blistering .480 in the second set of game two. Tuggle, Flynn and Funk combined for nine error-free kills in that stanza.

COACH SPEAK

"The Tigers had two very solid victories today," longtime Head Coach Julie Jenkins commented following the inauguration of her 36th campaign at Trinity. "Our serving and passing games were outstanding. We had balanced scoring today; in particular, Sara Flynn and Annie Legget were on fire!"

UP NEXT

Trinity Volleyball returns to San Antonio and the friendly confines of the Calgaard Gym to host Southwestern University for more SCAC action next weekend. The first of two matches is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start Friday, followed by the weekend finale Saturday at 3 p.m.