WILKES-BARRE, PA (September 1, 2021) -- The treacherous weather outside had no effect on the King's College women's volleyball team on Wednesday evening as they cruised to victory in their 2021 season home opener over the Clarks Summit University Defenders, 3-0, in McGrane Gymnasium.

King's (1-0) jumped out to an early 4-1 lead behind three straight kills from senior Olivia Bunch. The Monarchs then closed the first set of the season on a 21-0 run as they dominated set one, 25-3, over the visiting Clarks Summit (0-1).

A balanced offensive effort saw the Monarchs leading, 6-1, to start the second set. The Defenders pulled within five points, 9-4, but back-to-back errors saw the hosts holding an 11-4 advantage. Clarks Summit could not close the deficit to within more than six points as King's got kills from five different players over the final stretch to win set two, 25-16.

The final set of the night was no different as the hosts pulled ahead early, 11-1, thanks to five more kills from Bunch. The Defenders showed some life at the end of the set, recording three straight points and trailing 24-12, but a Clarks Summit error put the set away for the Monarchs as they recorded the set three victory, 25-12, and the season-opening win, 3-0.

Bunch posted a career-best 15 kills on 28 attempts, adding another career- best with eight digs and an ace. Seniors Cleo Schultz and Danielle Kitchner matched each other's efforts with seven spikes a piece. Senior Wiatt Hoffmann dished out 22 assists to control the offense, adding three aces and five digs. Additionally, senior Toni Galasso posted a team-best nine digs, and senior Karissa Hartzell contributed seven of her own to help the solid defensive effort.

Michaela McLeod led the Defenders with six kills, Emily Johnston dished out 12 assists, and Melanie Stabler led all players with 10 digs.

As a team, the Monarchs dominated in every category including kills (38-15), assists (34-15), digs (36-28), and aces (7-3). King's also opened the season with an impressive .321 hitting percentage as they connected for 38 kills on 81 attempts.

King's is back in action on Friday as they travel to Keuka for a tri-match with the host Keuka and Wells beginning at 4 p.m.