The No. 6-ranked Emory volleyball team opened defense of its University Athletic Association championship Friday afternoon with an opening-round win over Case Western.  The Eagles raised their record to 29-3 following a 3-0 decision (25-23, 25-10, 25-23) over the Spartans who slipped to 15-16.  Serving as the host of the league championships is Brandeis University

Emory junior Leah Jacobs continued her fine play, leading all players with 16 kills and  posting a .419 (16-3--31) hitting percentage.  Kate Bowman chipped in 11 terminations and added seven digs in the triumph while freshman Jessica Holler hit .571 on the strength of eight kills with no errors in 14 swings.  Setter Sydney Miles doled out 43 assists while sophomore Taylor Erwin keyed the Eagles' defensive effort with 14 digs.  Emory hit .257 in the contest compared to CWRU's .182 and enjoyed a 53-38 advantage in digs.

Emory advances to Friday's semifinal round where it will tangle with No. 8-ranked Washington University (26-5) in a match slated to begin at 4:00 pm.  The winner of the match will move into Saturday's championship tilt staring at 1:00 pm.