The Golden Eagles volleyball team opened the season with a 3-0 win over visiting Lakeland Community College on Wednesday evening in Founders Hall Gym. The navy and gold won by scores of 25-20, 25-17 and closed out the sweep with a thrilling 28-26 win in the final set.

It was a huge first match for KSU Tusc who fields a team with four sophomores and four freshmen and they learned how to play together in the final set.

They found themselves down by eight points in the final set (12-4) before making a charge. Facing a 23-16 deficit the Eagles forced a Lakers time out when they scored five straight markers to draw within 23-21. KSU added another point out of the timeout to close the gap to 23-22, before the visitors scored to make it 24-22 putting the Eagles in precarious position with just one point left for a LCC victory.

An errant Laker's serve went out of bounds on the right side of the court as the two teams battled to 24-24 and 25-25 ties. Down 26-25, the Eagles righted the ship and scored the final three points of the set for a 28-26 win. The final two points came on a pair of service aces by Kylie Culbertson.

At 1-0 on the season, the Eagles travel to Sharon, PA, on Saturday to face Penn State Shenango in a 12:00 p.m. dual.

Makenzie Ailes has a moment with fellow frosh Addison Gordon.

Kylie Culbertson (13) tips the ball at the net.

(Photos by Lindsey Nicholson)