ATLANTA – The Citadel volleyball team picked up its first win of the 2015 season Friday against Siena at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Midtown Invitational hosted by Georgia Tech at O'Keefe Gym in Atlanta.
 
The Bulldogs (1-1) fell short in their season opener against UT-Martin, losing 3-1 (25-20, 28-26, 18-25, 25-15) to the Skyhawks.
 
"In our first match we struggled to find consistency in all sets but the third," head coach Craig Mosqueda said. "We had a couple of players step up and make some good contributions."
 
Sophomore Moriah Smith and junior Megan Sowell lead the way for the Bulldogs, with 12 kills each. The duo both earned double-doubles, posting 18 and 10 digs, respectively. Senior Bailey Kernodle earned her first of two double-doubles on the day, with 10 kills and 11 digs. Senior Rachel Keefer boasted a match-high 40 assists while also contributing 13 digs.
 
After dropping the first two sets, the Bulldogs went on a 5-0 run on two occasions in the third, leading them to a 25-18 triumph against the Skyhawks. While The Citadel managed to knot the score at 11-11 in the fourth set, they were edged by UT-Martin in a 25-15 loss.
 
Despite a 7-0 run by the Bulldogs, Siena claimed the first set of the second match, 27-25. The blue and white responded to sweep the next three sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-14.
 
"What a great team effort to earn the first win of the season," Mosqueda said. "I am so proud of the consistent play and the high level of energy in the second match. We made an adjustment in the final three sets and ran a 6-2, which gave us an additional hitter."
 
Smith posted a match-high 22.5 points, 22 kills, and 15 digs, recording her second of two double-doubles on the day. Junior Sam Espy also earned a match-high 22 digs. Keefer led in assists once again with 46.
 
The Citadel volleyball team will take the court Saturday against Costal Carolina at 2 p.m. and Georgia Tech at 7:30 p.m. in the final day of the Atlanta Midtown Invitational.
 
For more information on The Citadel Volleyball, follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.
 
Full Tournament Schedule
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
9:30 a.m. - Coastal Carolina v. Siena
12 p.m. - GT v. UT-Martin
2 p.m. - Coastal Carolina v. The Citadel
5 p.m. - Siena v. UT-Martin
7:30 p.m. - GT v. The Citadel