BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Norwich University volleyball got their 2018 season started on Sunday afternoon at the inaugural Vermont Volleyball Classic hosted by Southern Vermont University, pulling off back-to-back sweeps on day one of the tournament. 

The Cadets squared off with NVU-Lyndon in their first match of the day and promptly dispatched the Hornets in three sets (25-8, 25-17, 25-7). Sophomore Julia Schroeder (Victorville, Calif.) set the tone early, rattling off five straight service aces in the first set on her way to nine total in the match. Lyndon gave the Cadets a little trouble in the second set, pulling the score to within three points late, but the Cadets kept their cool to take that set by eight and rolling through the third and decisive set with a big 25-7 triumph. 

Freshman Olivia Brown (Rye, N.H.) made her collegiate debut, collecting six digs in game one. Classmate Addison Hall (Apple Valley, Calif.) also made her debut, collecting a kill, an ace, and a pair of digs. Emily Oliver (Sagamore Hills, Ohio) got her senior season off on the right foot, collecting 21 assists.

Game two pitted the maroon and gold against NVU-Johnson, and Norwich took care of business in much the same way as they did in game one by rolling the Badgers in three sets (25-13, 25-10, 25-20). 

Sophomore Kathryn Farnum (North Andover, Mass.) had a fine game for Norwich, picking up seven kills on a. 538 attack percentage and three service aces. Oliver continued to lead, with 18 assists and eight digs.

The 2-0 Cadets will look to keep the good times rolling tomorrow at noon when they take on the host Southern Vermont team. Unbeaten after day one, Norwich will look to earn a spot in the 4:00 PM Championship Match and try to take home the first ever Vermont Volleyball Classic championship.