MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The Bellarmine University volleyball team started its 2015 season off on a victorious note by blanking the Mississippi College Choctaws 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-9) behind a balanced attack in a neutral site game played at Christian Brothers University's Canale Arena.

Six different Knights posted three or more kills led by six apiece from freshman Katie Adams (.600 hitting percentage) and Megan Kimbley (.429 hitting percentage).  Feeding the offense was sophomore setter Allie Muha, who totaled 24 assists on Bellarmine's 31 kills.

"We had great energy," said Bellarmine Coach Jenni Grzebin.  "Everyone who is healthy got in and contributed.  We're just staying focused on being great teammates," she said.

The energy and teamwork also showed up on the defensive side of the net where Bellarmine blocked seven Choctaw attacks with Bridget Guinane picking up four assisted blocks. Meanwhile freshman libero Jordyn Kuchenbrod had an impressive college debut with 17 digs and two kills.

The Knights also had a solid service game, recording 11 aces but committing just six errors.

Mississippi College (0-3) was paced by Taylor Edwards with five kills.

Bellarmine returned to action on Friday night, where they fell in straight sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-22) to Lindenwood University. The Knights again had a balanced attack with Ashley Jefferson, Aurryella Mason, and Kimbley all totaling eight kills apiece. However, BU hit just .127 for the match and could not keep pace with the Lions (2-0), who hit .216 and were led by Bailey Dvorak and Shannon Doyle with 14 and 12 kills respectively.  

Muha posted a double-double with 26 assists and 11 digs.  Defensive standouts included Kuchenbrod with 19 digs while Jefferson had a pair of solo blocks.

Bellarmine returns to action tomorrow with two matches.  The first comes at 12:30 p.m. EDT against Lyon College, and the Knights will conclude their Memphis visit with a match versus the host Christian Brothers Marauders at 5:30 p.m. EDT.