Atlanta, Ga. (9-01-06) - Guilford's volleyball team opened the 2006 season and the Emily Hayes era Friday by splitting two matches at the Oglethorpe Classic.  The Quakers (1-1) dropped a 3-0 decision to the host Stormy Petrels (2-0) before bouncing back for a 3-1 triumph over Agnes Scott (0-2).

Guilford led for most of the first set against Oglethorpe, but the hosts rallied to tie the match at 28-28 before pulling away for a 31-29 victory.  Oglethorpe won the next two sets, 30-18, 30-22.  Junior Katie Spina led the Quakers with seven kills and five blocks.  Meagan Tucker added five kills and four service aces.  Kaci Loeffler scooped up 17 digs.

Agnes Scott won the first set of Guilford's second match of the day, 30-15, but the Quakers rallied to win the final three sets: 30-21, 30-25, 30-26. Tucker and junior Jenny Conner made eight kills apiece.  Rookie Cierra Briggs added seven putaways, three blocks and five service aces.  Loeffler made 18 digs and Spina had six kills.  The win marked the first for Hayes, an Elon University graduate in her first season as a college head coach.

Guilford wraps up play at the tournament Saturday (9/2) with an 11:00 a.m. match against Millsaps and a 3:00 p.m. contest with Piedmont (Ga.).  The Quakers open their home schedule Wednesday (9/6) against Peace at 7:00 p.m.

Oglethorpe (1-0) def. Guilford (0-1) 31-29, 30-18, 30-22.
Guilford leaders: Katie Spina- 7 kills, 5 blocks; Meagan- Tucker 5 kills, 4 aces; Kaci Loeffler- 17 digs.

Guilford (1-1) def. Agnes Scott (0-2) 15-30, 30-21, 30-25, 30-26.
Guilford leaders: Meagan Tucker- 8 kills, Jenny Conner- 8 kills, Cierra Briggs- 7 kills, 3 blocks, 5 aces, Katie Spina- 6 kills, 1 block, Kaci Loeffler- 18 digs.