The Carroll College volleyball team opened the season with two victories, beating Valley City State University and Jamestown College at the Frontier/DAC Crossover Tournament in Dickinson, N.D., Friday.

First the Saints beat VCSU in five sets, 21-25, 25-12, 25-11, 20-25, 16-14.

Sophomore Christina Smetana led the Hilltoppers at the net against VCSU, had 12 kills and two blocks. Haylee Otteson had seven blocks and four kills, while Nicole Rowan posted nine kills and three blocks.

Setting up the front line was Katie St. John, who

had 20 assists. She also served two aces and had seven digs. Maureen Frauenholtz sparked the defense with 14 digs.

Against Jamestown, the Saints prevailed in four sets, 25-22, 25-17, 17-25,

25-10.

The offense was paced by Sammy Priddy versus the Jimmies, with 11 kills and two blocks. Smetana turned in a fine all-around game, posting seven kills, six blocks and three aces. St. John had 14 assists and 11 digs, while Mary Mahoney amassed 16 digs. Frauenholtz chipped in 11 digs and one service ace.

“Coming out we just wanted to make sure that we played our game. We didn’t want to get on the floor and freeze up,” said Carroll coach Mo Boyle.

“We really dominated on offense in the second match,” Boyle said. “Our setters, Katie St. John and Caitlin Tocci made tremendous choices and were able to put the balls to the right hitters at the right time.

“Our hitters got into the swing of things, and Smetana dominated at the net,” Boyle continued. “Ashlee Lupfer, a transfer student, came in and sparked the team in the first match. In the second game she was really a leader and made the game flow on our side of the net.”

The Carroll College skipper said that in the back row, Mary Mahoney was able to keep the aces against them to a minimum.

“Maureen Frauenholtz and Mahoney were very strong in the backcourt. One of our starting right sides, Markie Otteson, went down, and Beth Mansch came in and did a great job in her place,” Boyle said.

Carroll plays two more matches today, taking on Dickinson State and South Dakota School of Mines.