BOSTON, Mass. -- Simmons Volleyball opened their 2013 season today at the Wheaton Invitational tournament. The Sharks fell in the opening match to the Wheaton College Lyons 3-2, were defeated by Western New England 3-0 and closed out the day with a 3-1 loss to Southern Vermont. 

The Sharks took a 25-20 lead in the first match with a strong play by sophomore Nicole Alberghini (Northborough, Mass.) and first year Kat Guillotte (New Bedford, Mass.). Alberghini led the team in kills with 14 followed by Abby Hart (Westfield, Mass.) with six. Guillotte led all players with 15 digs while first year Alexandria Itasaka (Bradford, Mass.) showed strength on defense with 13.  The Lyons fought back for the win behind Kendall Jacobs and Arieanne Creighton, each of whom posted 7 kills. Robyn D'Agostino led Wheaton in digs with 13.

In the second game of the day, the Shark first years stepped up as Hart and Andalyn Duke (Litchfield Park, Ariz.) contributed six kills apiece, while Guillotte and Itasaka controlled the Simmons defense, each recording 10 digs. Junior Rossi Fish (North Attleboro, Mass.) added five blocks but the Golden Bears were relentless. Kasey Cameron added 11 kills while Grace Kucharski posted 14 digs and Devyn Frank added 6 blocks for Western New England.

Simmons took a 25-19 lead in the first game against Southern Vermont but the Mountaineers bounced back to win three straight sets 25-18, 25-16, and 25-22 for the win. Alberghini buried 10 kills, while Megan Chamberlin (Milford, Mass.) and Itasaka anchored the Sharks defense with 20 and 22 digs, respectively. 

The Sharks return to action on Tuesday, Sep. 3 at Smith College. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.