The Aurora University volleyball team opened the 2015 season on Friday, September 4 at the University of Chicago Gargoyle Classic against the NCAA Division III defending champions from Hope College. AU fell in three sets, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Hope College  3, Aurora 0
LOCATION: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
RECORDS: Aurora 0-1 overall, Hope College 1-0 overall
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans fell in three sets but competed well against the defending champions. AU had a lead in the first two sets, including a 23-20 advantage late in the middle set. The early season challenge for the Spartans will benefit the youthful team later in the year.

TOP SPARTANS
- Alexis Hammond led AU with nine kills and a .316 hitting percentage.
- Lauren Marsh had nine kills and a .240 hitting percentage while adding nine digs.Emily
- Emily Lines had 14 assists and five digs.

FOR THE FOES
- Sarah Feldpausch led all hitters with 17 kills.
- Haley Muller had 10 kills.
- Lauren Hazekamp had 41 assists.

UP NEXT
On Saturday, September 5 when they travel to the University of Chicago Gargoyle Classic. AU takes on University of Chicago (12:00 p.m.) and Millikin University (2:30 p.m.) in Chicago, Illinois.