Eagles conclude first day with split
 
PENSACOLA, Florida--- The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team settled for a split on the first day of the University of West Florida Hemingway's Invitational Friday. USI defeated Albany State 13-25, 13-25, 12-25 in it's season opener, but suffered a tough 22-25, 28-30, 13-25 loss to Northern Michigan University in game two.
 
In game one USI used a dominant attacking effort in the opening set to gain momentum in the match.  By the third set the ball belonged to the Screaming Eagles as they limited ASU to just five kills.
 
Junior outside hitter Lauren DeShaney led the attack with 11 kills and finished with a .7333 attacking percentage. Defensively, USI totaled 28 digs, with senior defensive specialist Kayla Heldman leading with 9.
 
The Eagles opened the first set against NMU with a 6-0 lead. USI tried to stay ahead but failed as the Wildcats capitalized on Eagle attacking and reception errors.
 
In the second set, a back-and-forth battle ensued between USI and Northern Michigan. NMU took control however and powered through the next two sets to claim the victory over the Eagles.
 
USI returns to action Saturday when it takes on No. 4 Minnesota Duluth at 11:30 a.m. (CDT) and No. 17 Wheeling Jesuit at 4:30 p.m.