(Haverford, Pa.) – The Dickinson women's volleyball team faced a tough host in its Centennial Conference opener at Haverford College on Saturday afternoon. The 'Fords improved to 8-2 overall with a three-set victory (25-12, 25-9, 25-13).

The Red Devils had a strong start and kept the hosts in check early on, trailing just 9-7. Haverford strung together an 8-2 run to lead, 17-9. Red Devil miscues helped the 'Fords close out the set.

Haverford jumped out to a 5-1 start in the second, but Dickinson battled back to cut the deficit to 6-4. The Devils again kept it close through the first half of the set, but another scoring clip gave the 'Fords an 8-17 advantage as the Devils struggled on attack.

The Devils continued to play well early on in the set but Haverford put together another run to stretch the lead to 13-6. Dickinson continued to battle through the set, matching points to stay within seven, but the hosts would pull away at the end for a 25-13 decision.

The Devils were held to just 17 kills on the day. Sophomore Gillian Chan (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day) led the way with five kills and a pair of blocks. Emily Smith (Victor, N.Y./Victor) and Erin Bongo (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Knolls) each added four kills and combined for eight digs.

Arielle Misrok (Ardsley, N.Y./Ardsley) tallied 11 digs and first-year setter Hannah Smith (Victor, N.Y./Victor) handed out 14 assists, adding three kills and five digs. Lauren Ahern (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West) chipped in with three kills, three blocks and an ace.

The Red Devils turned in solid performance, going four games with unbeaten Messiah. The Falcons took control early in the first set, breaking open a 5-3 score with a big run to lead 18-6. The Devils looked to answer, scoring four straight to cut the deficit to 18-10 before Messiah was able to close out the set.

Dickinson played even again to start the second, pulling in front at 9-8. The Falcons used a 9-1 split to gain some separation at 18-10. Back-to-back kills from Ahern pulled the Devils to within four, 20-16. Strong serving from Suzanne Harris finished the set with Messiah holding a 2-1 advantage.

The Red Devils weren't quite through, taking the third frame in a thriller, 25-23. The set was close the whole way with Messiah pulling in front, 9-8. Dickinson answered and the teams played to a 15-15 deadlock.

Misrok had a strong serving rotation to help give the Devils an 18-15 lead. Messiah cut the margin to one at, 20-19, but it was the Devils who would finish the set this time, and force a fourth game.

Messiah tried to break away but Dickinson held strong, trailing 11-9, before falling behind 14-10. The Devils capitalized on a service error and tallied three straight kills to pull within one, 15-14. The Falcons responded with four straight and finished with a final push to remain unbeaten at 10-0 with a 4-1 win.

Bongo led the attack with eight kills, adding 10 digs in the nightcap while Misrok tallied a match-high 18 digs. Hannah Smith recorded 13 assists and eight digs with Kelly Quinn (Madison, N.J./Madison) handing out 12.

Norma Jean Park (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) had five kills and three blocks while Emily Smith and Ahern each had five kills as well.

The Red Devils (4-9, 0-1 CC) travel to Penn State Harrisburg on Monday night for a 7:00 pm match.