FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College volleyball team (1-1) split a pair of matches Saturday in its season-opening tri-match at Gambrill Gymnasium.

The Blazers cruised a three-set victory over Valley Forge Christian College (0-3) in the first match, 25-10, 25-9, 25-9. Hood aced the Patriots 28 times, including 10 by senior Chelsea Weaver and eight by freshman Amy Hagerdon. Hood's 28 aces were the fifth-highest single-match total all-time. Seniors Kristan Hawkins and Kristina Straub and sophomore Brittany Lethbridge tallied four kills apiece while freshman Morgan Huffer set up 13 Hood kills in the decisive win.

In the second match of the day, Shenandoah University (2-0) defeated Valley Forge, 25-7, 25-14, 25-6.

Then in the third match, the Blazers gave the Hornets all they could handle but came up just short, falling 22-25, 20-25 and 18-25. Hood trailed for most of the first set but took advantage of several Hornet errors to draw even at 18-18. Later, a kill by freshman Ashley Whaley tied the set again at 22-22, but the Blazers were unable to overtake Shenandoah, which went on to take the first set, 25-22.

In set number two, Hood scored seven of the set's first 10 points, but the Hornets used a 9-1 run to assume a 12-8 edge, forcing the Blazers to call timeout. Hood tied the score three more times but the Hornets kept the Blazers at bay and closed out the set on a kill by Mary Harshman.

The third set was a see-saw affair at the onset before Shenandoah took the lead for good at 6-5. The Blazers staved off two set points down the stretch but the Hornets had the final say, capturing the match with a 25-18 triumph.

Hagerdon put down six kills and contributed 11 digs for Hood while Straub finished with five kills and 16 digs. Weaver paced the defensive effort with 23 digs while Whaley registered 18 assists.

Shenandoah's Rachel Maki posted a match-high 16 kills to lead the victors.

The Blazers next host the College of Notre Dame (Md.) Gators Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Gambrill Gym.