FAIRFAX, Va. – The Hampton University volleyball team opened play in the George Mason Classic on Friday night by falling in four tight sets to Loyola of Maryland 25-23, 22-25, 27-25, 25-16.

The Greyhounds pulled out the first set closing with an 8-3 run after Hampton held a 20-17 lead following a kill by Kelci Dixon.  Reeana Richardson had one of her 15 kills to tie the match at 23-all, but Loyola got the next two points to win set one.

In the second set, Hampton trailed 7-4 early but went on an 8-3 run of their own to lead 12-10.  A Victoria Jenifer kill gave Hampton a 20-17 advantage, but Loyola scored three straight to tie the game at 20-all.  After two more ties, Hampton closed the set with three straight points finished by a Richardson kill to win 25-22.

The third set saw 10 ties and five lead changes as Hampton held a 21-18 lead following a Lena Washington kill.  Loyola scored seven of the next 10 points to lead 25-24 as they held on for a 27-25 win.  The Greyhounds used an 8-2 run in the fourth set to take command and win 25-16.

Washington had a match-high 17 kills and 11 digs, while Richardson added 15 kills and nine digs to lead Hampton.  Lena Reed-Petracek had 41 assists, while Maja Petronijevic added five assists and 12 digs.

Hampton returns to action on Saturday facing George Mason at 11 am and Charlotte at 5 pm to close out the tournament.

For more information on Hampton University volleyball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.