WASHINGTON, Pa. (Sept. 13, 2009) – The Thiel College volleyball team went 0-2 to a pair of perennial powers Saturday, as they opened play at the Washington & Jefferson Holiday INNvitational.

In their first match, the Tomcats fell to Salisbury, 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-21).  Salisbury returned 12 players from last year's NCAA tournament-qualifying 36-2 squad.

Thiel also got its first look at Presidents' Athletic Conference rival Saint Vincent on Saturday, falling to the mighty Bearcats, 3-1 (25-14, 13-25, 25-21, 25-16).

Sophomore Megan Kay (Girard, Ohio/Liberty) (Girard, Ohio/Liberty) led Thiel with 10 kills in the day cap, with freshman Kelly Barzak (Warren, Ohio/Howland) (Warren, Ohio/Howland) firing eight.  Junior setter Madison Chylik (Valley View, Ohio/Cuyahoga Heights) (Valley View, Ohio/Cuyahoga Heights) put up 32 assists to highlight Thiel's day.

The Tomcats return to action tomorrow on day two of the tournament.