Sept. 21, 2010

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COLLEGE PARK, Md- - In its Atlantic Coast Conference opener on Tuesday, the University of Maryland volleyball team showcased a strong team defense coupled with several impressive individual offensive performances to defeat Boston College, 3-1.

The Terrapins dominated the net defensively, at times against the Eagles, thanks in part to senior Brittany Grove and junior Lisa Scott, who combined for six of Maryland's season-high 14 team blocks.

"I think we did a lot of things well," said head coach Tim Horsmon. "There were glimmers of us being a better blocking team."

Junior Maddi Lee and freshman Mary Cushman each contributed 14 kills to Maryland's attack. Senior Michelle Kenning added 11 kills and led the Terps with a team-high .345 attack percentage.

"I thought we played well," said Kenning who also recorded seven digs and four block assists. "The ACC is really competitive, we have to step up."

Maryland and Boston College alternated set victories, 2-1, combining for eight lead changes and 28 tied scores. Yet Maryland never trailed in its final set, halting an late Eagles comeback, to win 25-22 and start the ACC season with a win.

"[Starting 1-0] is better than 0-1," said Horsmon. "We had to go out and win today, which we did. It's obviously nicer to be 1-0 over 0-1."

After defeating Boston College for the fourth time in five meetings, the Terrapins will play the next five games on the road, starting at North Carolina on Friday at 7 p.m.

On October 8, Maryland will return home to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech in the Comcast Pavilion.