SCRANTON, Pa.—The University of Scranton split a pair of match in the opening round of the Scranton Invitational Friday evening at the Long Center.

Behind a combined 19 kills from freshman outside hitter Julia Crilly Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) and sophomore outside hitter Michaela McCrudden (Ft. Washington, Pa./Mt. St. Joseph Academy), the Royals posted a 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-14) victory over Centenary College (NJ). 

Scranton, which hit .296 for the match, also received six kills from sophomore outside hitter Katie Newman (Massapequa, NY/Massapequa), seven digs from junior libero Marissa Every (East Norriton, Pa./Mt. St. Joseph Academy), and the junior setting duo of Juli Woods (Wallingford, Pa./Strath Haven) and Emily Keim (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) combined for 30 assists.

Scranton came out of the gates against Clarkson University in the next round, winning the first set convincingly, 25-11, but the Golden Knights kept their composure and came back to take the next three sets, 25-15, 25-16, 25-22.  Clarkson and Marywood University will take 2-0 records into the final round Saturday.

Crilly led the way once again for the Royals against Clarkson with six kills, two service aces, five digs, and two blocks.  Scranton, now 3-4, also received five kills from Newman and 13 digs from Every.

The Royals will host Ramapo College Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. and Marywood at 3:00 p.m.