'KEENE, N.H.  (9/18/01)- The Keene State College women's volleyball team opened its 2002 season with a 3-0 loss to Amherst College at Spaulding Gym on Wednesday.

The Owls gave the highly regarded Jeffs a tough match losing 30-14, 30-25, and 30-20.

Freshman Shelly Ellis (Hampton, N.H.) made a strong debut for the Owls with 11 kills, 12 digs and three blocks.  Kristin Mullins (Turners Falls, MA.) added four service aces, 11 digs and four kills and Deborah Hughes (Ashland, N.H.) finished with 10 kills, three digs and two blocks for Keene State.  KSC setter Stephanie Benard (Candia, N.H.) had 33 assists.

Jessica Allen had 15 kills and setter Annie Hoeksma had 40 assists for Amherst.

KSC will compete in a LEC round robin match this weekend at Western CT