PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Wheaton College volleyball team started the 2015 season strong with a stellar 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 27-25) defeat of Rhode Island College at The Murray Center on Wednesday night.

Senior outside hitter Arieanne Creighton led the way for the Lyons with a team-high nine kills, while Claire Cansler knocked down six points in the victory.

Senior Kendall Jacobs was strong on the serve for the Lyons, putting down a match-high six aces. Cari Sheets, Deirdre Wilson and Olivia Wilson also picked up aces in the win. Wilson dished out a team-high 19 assists on the night, while also collecting a match-high three-block assists. Elise Waelder and Taylor Matook also ended with a match-high three block assists.

Rhode Island College was led by Kelsey Lace, who recorded 12 kills and seven digs, while Abigayle White finished with 22 assists and 12 digs.

The Lyons trailed early in the opening set, before clawing their way back on a 7-1 run that put them ahead 10-7. The two sides then traded points, eventually resulting in a 19-19 deadlock. RIC would score just one more point down the stretch, while Creighton went on a tear to earn the set for the Lyons, 25-20.

Carrying their momentum into the second set, the Lyons roared ahead to a 9-1 lead, which was capped off by back-to-back aces from Jacobs. Wheaton continued to own the court in the set, pushing its lead to 18-11 on a strong putdown by Cansler. The Lyons closed out the set on a 7-2 run, taking the set 25-13.

RIC settled down in the third set, making for a competitive back and forth game. Trailing 25-24, the Lyons dug deep to close out the match with the 27-25 victory, completing the three set sweep.

Wheaton (1-0) returns the court on Friday, Sept. 4 for the start of the Roger Williams Tournament. The Lyons will take on Lasell at 2 p.m. before facing-off with Clarkson at 4 p.m.

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