The Aurora University women's volleyball team split a pair of matches against Top 25 teams on day one of the University of Chicago Gargoyle Invitational. AU won the opening match over #18 St. Benedict (3-0) before falling to #7 Hope College 3-0.

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois - University of Chicago
RECORD: Aurora University 1-1
MATCH-UPS: 
- Match One -  Aurora University 3, #18 College of Saint Benedict 0 (24-26, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25)
- Match Two – #7 Hope College 3, Aurora University 0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-21)

SPARTAN HIGHLIGHTS/TOP PERFORMERS – vs. College of Saint Benedict - Box Score
- AU was very efficient on the attack in the opening match, as the Spartans hit .336 in the win with 44 kills to just six errors.
- Kaycie Wenzel had a double-double with 14 kills and 11 digs.
- Lulu Torres and Sydnei Avery each had 10 kills.
- Gillian Hoerman had 38 assists.
- Vanessa Brown had 15 digs.
- In the opening set, AU jumped out to a big early lead and then held on to a furious mid set rally before winning 25-22.
- AU fell behind in the second set and trailed 12-6 before mounting their big rally. 
- The trailing 24-20 in the second, the Spartans rattled off the final six points to win 26-24. 
- The third and final set was all AU with the Spartans leading handily throughout for the 25-18 win.
 
SPARTAN TOP PERFORMERS – vs. Hope College - Box Score
- Sydnei Avery had 13 kills.
- Gillian Hoerman had 22 assists and 15 digs.
 
UP NEXT: 
Next action for the Spartan women's volleyball team comes on Saturday, September 4 when they take on St. Olaf College at 10:00 a.m. in Chicago, Illinois.