COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (August 2014) – In the 2014 season opener, the Rutgers volleyball team dropped a straight-set decision to Winthrop at the Falcon Classic Friday afternoon. The Eagles defeated the Scarlet Knights by scores of 24-26, 18-25 and 21-25.

"It is disappointing to open the season losing three straight sets. We had opportunities in game one that we didn't take advantage of. Defensively we didn't execute our quality of play and offensively we didn't capitalize on some opportunities. We have to focus more on our side of the net and what we can control moving into tonight's match against SIUE," said head coach CJ Werneke.

Junior middle Eden Frazier (Irvine, Calif.) made her first appearance as a Scarlet Knight, leading the team with nine kills on 17 attempts. Junior outside Alex Lassa (Eagle, Colo.) led RU with 20 total attempts, registering seven kills of her own.

Winthrop was led by senior Alina Sophizhuk with 12 kills on 27 attempts.

Rutgers started the first set strong, keeping the score within at least three points before Winthrop took a 15-10 lead in the middle of the match. RU was able to hold on and capture the lead 24-23, but was unable to continue the momentum, falling to a close score of 24-26.

Moving on to the second set, the teams continued neck-and-neck. The Scarlet Knights were able to keep the score close yet again, capturing the lead three times, but ultimately dropping the set 18-25.

The third set kept the same pace with Rutgers holding on throughout the contest. RU fought strong until the end to hold the game to only a three-point deficit of 21-25.

Rutgers will next face SIUE tonight at 10 p.m. for its second match-up of the Falcon Classic.

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-RU-