HUNTINGDON, Pa.–Sophomore Isabelle Andrews keyed a strong defensive effort by the Swarthmore College volleyball team (3-2) as the Garnet swept Messiah in the opening match of the Juniata ASICS Invitational on Friday, Sep. 8.

Andrews recorded seven blocks, including two solo rejections, and Swarthmore limited the Falcons to a .028 hitting percentage overall. The Garnet improved throughout the match as they raised their own attack percentage and lowered Messiah's in each subsequent set. Mehra den Braven notched her first double-double of the season with 12 kills and 11 digs while Sarah Girard finished with 13 in the latter category to lead the team. Olivia Leventhal hit efficiently with nine kills and only one error in 19 attempts and Malia Scott filled the stat sheet with 31 assists, nine digs and five kills.

The Falcons led early in the first set until a 7-0 Garnet run, highlighted by three kills from Scott and two from Sarah Wallace, put the team ahead, 14-11, for a lead it would not relinquish. Messiah remained within striking distance and came within one at 23-22 toward the end of the set. Timely kills from Leventhal and Rachel Vresilovic kept them at bay and gave Swarthmore a 1-0 advantage.

The Garnet had another big run, this time with Andrews factoring into blocks on three consecutive points. The streak stopped Messiah's momentum and allowed Swarthmore to establish control. Andrews would add another block later in the frame and a Girard service ace closed out the game as the Garnet were poised to take the match.

Andrews continued her block party in the third set as Messiah hit a paltry -.086 with six kills and nine errors. A Falcons timeout at 15-10 for the Garnet could not stop Swarthmore's momentum as it capitalized on Messiah's miscues down the stretch to complete the sweep.

The Garnet continue action at the ASICS Invitational on Saturday, playing Ithaca at 2 p.m. and concluding with a match against #13 Juniata at 6 p.m.