The Case Western Reserve University volleyball team split a pair of matches to open the 2016 University Athletic Association Championship Tournament on Friday at the Field House. The sixth-seeded Spartans fell to third-seeded Washington University (Mo.) in three, but bounced back to win 3-1 against New York University.

CWRU (21-9) concludes the season in the conference's fifth-place match tomorrow morning versus the University of Rochester at 11:00 a.m.

Versus WashU (21-10), the Spartans fell by scores of 25-19, 25-20 and 25-22.

Statistically, freshman middle hitter Haley Sims posted a team-best seven kills. Sophomore setter Shannon Carroll led in assists with 17. Freshman outside hitter Brianna Lemon contributed five kills and a team-high 12 digs.

WashU was led by Alex Sheredy, Amanda Palucki and Julianne Malek who each tallied 10 kills apiece.

Against NYU (15-16), the Spartans were victorious by counts of 25-13, 25-20 and 25-19.

Lemon led the attack with 11 kills. Carroll and freshman setter Faith Ellis split the setting duties with 22 and nine assists, respectively. The Spartan back row was paced by Lemon with 10 digs and sophomore defensive specialist Karina Bondelid with nine.

NYU was led by Rayne Ellis with eight kills.

Entering tomorrow's season finale, CWRU is guaranteed its eight winning season in nine years.