The University of Redlands volleyball team opened the 2014 season with a challenging competition against NAIA opponent, Cal State San Marcos, on Wednesday night.  While a youthful roster tested the waters, the Bulldogs came up short in a straight-set sweep in a match played at Pacific Ridge High School.

Highlighting the tough first outing for the Maroon and Gray, junior middle blocker Ashton Martin (Redlands, CA) knocked down five kills at a clip of .417 for an impressive performance. 

In addition, freshman outside hitter Kiersten Langerud (Williamsburg, VA) made her Bulldog debut with three kills on nine attempts for a hitting percentage of .222.

Sophomore setter Ellie McLeod (Redlands, CA) and junior setter Lauren Ellingwood (Kirkland, WA) shared the ball-distribution responsibilities by dishing out six assists each.

Finally, the defensive tandem of freshman Mackenzie Nelson (Salinas, CA) and senior Courtney Johnson (Dana Point, CA) recorded 11 of the team's 23 digs against the Cougars' high-powered attack.

Redlands (0-1) heads to Thousand Oaks on Friday and Saturday for the Posada Royale Cal-Lu-Fornia Invitational.  The Bulldogs face the University of Dallas (TX) and Augustana College (IL) on Friday and then take on Pacific Lutheran University (WA) and Willamette University (OR) on Saturday.  See complete details at the tournament home page.