KALAMAZOO, Mich (Sept. 5, 2009) – The Thiel College volleyball team split a pair of matches on Saturday, while taking part in the Kalamazoo Hornet Invitational. The Tomcats won their opener vs. Manchester, 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-21), but fell to Olivet by the same, 3-0 (24-26, 21-25, 17-25), margin.

In its first match against Manchester, Thiel was led by freshman sensation Kelly Barzak (Warren, Ohio/Howland), who fired seven kills. Fellow freshman Chelsea Meister (Liberty Center, Ohio/Liberty Center) put up a solid 15 assists in support of the victorious effort. A third freshman – Megg Andrews (Canfield, Ohio/Canfield)- also put in a outstanding effort providing three blocks.

Senior Abbey Kiger (Mineral Ridge, Ohio/Mineral Ridge) and and Barzak each registered six kills in the Tomcats' loss to Olivet, to cap the day's competition.

Thiel returns to action on Sunday when they continue play in the Hornet Invitational.