With one more weapon in tow, the Webster University volleyball team opened its defense as champions of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, defeating Westminster College, on September 11, at Grant Gymnasium.  The Gorloks, who were short-handed in a weekend tournament at Rose-Hulman, showed they will be a force in the SLIAC again with the 3-1 win over the Blue Jays.

The Gorloks jumped on top with a 25-17 win in the first set, but let the Blue Jays tie the match as they fell, 18-25, in the second.  Webster pulled out to a 10-3 lead in the third set and coasted 25-16, before taking a 25-21 see-saw set in the fourth to seal the victory.

Liz Abrahams (JR, Hermann HS, MO) was the first of three injured players to return to action for Webster, as other team members stepped up to showcase improved depth in the 2012 squad.  Newcomers Sam Kersting (SO, Lindbergh HS, MO) and Megan Morrison (SO, Lutheran South HS, MO), along with Lindsey Taylor (JR, Rockwood Summit HS, MO) all contributed in the win.

Kersting finished with 18 kills, three solo blocks, and two block-assists on the night.  Taylor had nine kills, two solo blocks, and four block assists as well.  Morrison led the Gorloks with 21 digs for the match.

The Gorloks continue SLIAC play on September 15 with a quad at Elsah, IL, on September 15.  Webster will face Spalding University (KY) and Greenville College in the event hosted by Principia College.