The Valparaiso volleyball team dropped their season opener Friday night 3-1 at Marquette.

The Golden Eagles took the first two games 30-24 and 30-28 before Valpo rallied to win game three 30-28. Marquette then won a tight game four 31-29 to record the victory.

Heather Hynds (Sylvan Lake, Ill./Mundelein H.S.) led the Crusaders with 13 kills while hitting .310, while Sarah Schmalz (Corona, Calif./Riverside Christian H.S.) hit .318 with ten kills. Schmalz also added seven blocks. Michelle Robinson (Bloomington, Ill./Normal H.S.) registered 11 kills and 16 digs, while Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) had 18 digs. Cyndi Norman (Minooka, Ill./Minooka H.S.) led the Brown and Gold with 43 assists.

Shannon Devine and Theresa Coughlin led Marquette (3-1) with 16 kills each, while Erin Freer added 27 digs.

Marquette outhit Valpo .176-.169 for the match and outblocked the Crusaders 12-9. Each team had ten service aces.

The Crusaders will return to the court on Saturday for a pair of matches to close out the Marquette Challenge. Valpo (0-1) will face Austin Peay at 10 a.m. followed by a match with Lehigh at 5 p.m.