Volleyball splits A-10 openers

The GW women’s volleyball team opened the conference portion of its season this weekend with a win and a loss in Philadelphia.

The Colonials (9-5, 1-1 Atlantic 10) began their weekend with a 3-0 sweep at La Salle Friday, winning the sets by scores of 25-18, 25-12 and 25-21. Senior Katie Butz had 11 kills in the match while classmate Abby Syverson and freshman Lauren Whyte each added seven kills apiece. Junior Leah Hill and freshman Candace Silva-Martin led the Colonials in digs with 16 and 13, respectively.

The next day, GW found itself on the wrong end of a sweep, falling 3-0 to Temple in a trio of two-point sets, 25-23, 26-24 and 25-23. Butz again led the Colonials’ offense with 14 kills in the loss, with Hill’s 11 digs again pacing the team in that category.

GW will play one more road game – their 15th consecutive to begin the season – at Loyola (Md.) Wednesday before returning home to christen the newly renovated Smith Center Friday at 7 p.m. against Rhode Island.

Number Crunch: 7

The number of goals scored by men’s soccer senior Andy Stadler this season. After scoring 14 times last season, Stadler currently leads the Atlantic 10 in goals and points.