Sept. 3, 2004

HOUSTON - Senior outside hitter Sarah Treadwell had a team-high 14 kills and 10 digs, but the Maryland volleyball team dropped its season-opener to No. 14 Kansas State at the Houston Invitational Friday afternoon, 3-0 (30-28, 30-20, 30-25). Maryland is now 0-1 on the young season while Kansas State improved to 2-0 with the win. Jennifer Dewalt posted nine kills while hitting .350 and also had two blocks, while Rachel Wagener and Stephanie Smith had four kills apiece. Smith also recorded two blocks for the Terps. Maryland jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in game one behind strong serving from Maria DiLivio and two early kills Treadwell. Although Kansas State would fight back from the early deficit, the Terps clung to a lead until the Wildcats tied the game, 13-13. The teams would go on to play to a total of 12 ties in the closely contested first game, with the last knot coming at 28-28. But despite seven first-game kills from Treadwell and a team-attack percentage of .324, the Terrapins dropped the first game, 30-28. In game two, the Wildcats earned an early 12-3 advantage and the Terps were not able to recover. Maryland hit .172 as a team and dropped the second game of the match, 30-20. Maryland continued to put pressure on the Wildcats in game three. Late in the game, with Maryland trailing 21-28, Aimee Huddleston tallied two consecutive aces to pull the Terps to within five points but Kansas State took the third game, 30-25. Terp freshman Beth Gillming saw the first action of her career, as she played in all three games and registered a kill and two digs. Kansas State was led by Vali Hejjas (21 kills, 10 digs) and Sandy Werner (10 kills, two blocks). Maryland continues action at the Houston Invitational Friday night vs. the host Cougars. That match is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. central time, 9 p.m. eastern standard time.