The No. 12 ranked Emory University volleyball team opened the Randolph-Macon Invitational with a three set win Friday evening, defeating Christopher Newport University 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 in Ashland, VA.

The Eagles used a well-balanced attack to snag their fifth consecutive victory with freshman Alana Dawson leading the way with 12 kills. Senior Tara Martin had nine kills with freshman Lily Martin contributing eight followed by junior Cassie Srb with seven and freshman Madison Cail with six. Emory recorded its third-highest attacking percentage in the winning, hitting .358 (45-11—95) and outpaced the Captains 48-29 in the digs department with senior Lauren Bandera corralling a match-best 19.

After controlling the first set, the teams were evened through the first 19 points of set two with CNU leading 10-9. A thunderous Tara Martin kill knotted the score at 10 and sparked an 8-1 run, forcing the Captains to use a timeout down 17-11. Despite outscoring the Eagles 5-4 out of the timeout, Emory countered with four of the final six points to claim the second set 25-18.

In the third set, CNU jumped out to a 4-1 lead but Emory regrouped to eventual tie the set at 8-8. Following back-and-forth play, a kill by Lily Martin with the score even at 13 set the Eagles up for another run, scoring five straight to take control of the set 18-13. CNU rallied to cut the deficit to as close as 20-17 but Emory was able to find winners in five of the final six points to clinch the win.

The Eagles close out the Invitational Saturday afternoon as they will take on host Randolph-Macon beginning at 3:00 PM.