UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Wichita State University volleyball team started its 2019 regular season by sweeping Holy Cross, 3-0, in the Penn State Classic Friday, Aug. 30, at Rec Hall. The Shockers won by set scores of 25-19, 25-20 and 25-12.
 
Wichita State (1-0) is slated to close out play in the event Saturday, Aug. 31, with matches against Hofstra and No. 8 Penn State. First serve times for the contests are noon CT (1 p.m. ET) and approximately 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET).
 
Senior middle blocker Damadj Johnson and sophomore outside hitter Megan Taflinger each had nine kills, leading the Shockers offensively. Johnson added a match-high .643 attack percentage, while freshman setter Kayce Litzau posted a match-best 23 assists, and senior Kara Bown tallied 18 digs, respectively.
 
The Shockers outhit the Crusaders (0-1) in the match, .289 to .087, and compiled 45 kills, compared to just 30 for Holy Cross. Wichita State committed just 10 attacking errors for the contest, and had 41 assists, 60 digs, five blocks and four service aces.
 
Rachel Harding had a match-high 10 kills, pacing Holy Cross.
 
With the victory, Wichita State improves its all-time record in season openers to 22-20-2 and 13-7 in the Chris Lamb era.