DE PERE, Wis. – Rylee Esquibel (So.-Devine, Texas) and Samya Hughes (Fr.-Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) both put up big numbers and the Lakeland University women's volleyball team split two matches to open its season at the Chick-fil-A Invitational hosted by St. Norbert College.

The Muskies topped Lawrence University in four sets in their first match, bouncing the Vikings 9-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22. Lakeland then built a 2-0 lead in its second match against the College of St. Scholastica (Minn.) before running out of gas in a 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-15, 15-9 loss.

Esquibel and Hughes both had a pair of big matches, including the two leading the team with 12 kills each against Lawrence. Esquibel then put up a career-high 16 kills in the second match against St. Scholastica, with Hughes adding 13 kills against the Saints. Hughes also totaled 46 digs over the two matches, including 24 against St. Scholastica, and Esquibel added 29 digs, including 15 in the second match.

Faith Baker (So.-Verona, Ill.) also added seven kills in the win over Lawrence and Sydney Gay (So.-Rice Lake, Wis.) also totaled 32 assists plus 13 digs. The Muskies bounced back from an ugly first set to win the final three sets, all coming in close fashion.

Lakeland extended its string of close set wins in taking a 2-0 lead in the match against St. Scholastica, but the Saints controlled the final three sets and finished with a .235 hitting percentage (65 kills, 18 errors) plus a 10-2 advantage in blocks.

Kenzie Jackson (Fr.-Mansfield, Texas) added five kills in the second match. Katelyn Kitsembel (Sr.-Lake Mills, Wis.) also finished with 39 digs plus five service aces for the day, including 22 digs and three aces against St. Scholastica.

The Muskies close out play at the St. Norbert tourney with a single match on Saturday, taking on Gallaudet University at 3 p.m.