FAIRFAX, Va. – The Hampton University volleyball team made their first win of the 2016 season a memorable one on Friday in Fairfax at the Patriot Invitational.   The Lady Pirates rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Loyola (MD) 25-22, 25-27, 19-25, 25-21, 15-11 in the opening match of the tournament.

The win was the first of the season for Hampton and for first-year head coach Brandon Duvall.  Hampton had lost their first eight matches of the season all by straight sets.

"First time this season where this young team continued to fight through their troubles and remained competitive throughout every set," Duvall said.  "We have a lot to learn and our focus needs to remain centered on getting better every day.   However after this match we have a much better understanding on what it mentally and physically takes to win at this level."

In the opening set, Hampton trailed 12-4 before working its way back into the contest.  A kill from Reeana Richardson tied the match at 21-all and Hampton took its first lead at 22-21 following an ace from Micah Leavell.   After Loyola tied it at 22, kills from Richardson and Kelci Dixon followed by an ace from Ashlyn Dunlop gave Hampton the early 1-0 lead.

Loyola took charge in the next two games as Hampton tied the match 25-all following a kill from Leavell.  The Greyhounds scored the next two points to even the match.  In set three, Hampton got to 19-17 before the Greyhounds raced away for the third set and a 2-1 match lead.

Hampton started the comeback in the fourth set jumping out to a 19-12 but used kills from Richardson and Lena Washington to even the match with a 25-21 win.  

The fifth set saw the teams tied five times and change leads three times.  Loyola tied the match 10-all, but a pair of Richardson kills gave Hampton a 12-10 advantage.  A final kill from Richardson, her 25^th on the night, gave Hampton a 14-11 lead as they won the deciding set 15-11.

Richardson recorded season highs in kills (25) and blocks (3) and tied her season high in aces (2) to lead Hampton.  Brianna Lilly had a season high in assists (42) and Leavell set her season high in kills (15) and aces (2).  Dunlop topped the team with her season high in assists (3), while Washington added a season-best 11 digs.

Hampton returns to action on Saturday facing the host George Mason Patriots at 2 pm and ending the tournament against Bryant University at 4:30 pm.

For more information on Hampton University volleyball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5906 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.