The Capital University volleyball team opened the Manchester Pizza Hut Invitational with a split of a pair of matches Friday, defeating Anderson (Ind.) before falling against Adrian (Mich.) on the first day of competition in North Manchester, Ind.

The Crusaders (6-6 overall) outlasted Anderson 18-25, 25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 15-10 in the opener before suffering an 18-25, 28-26, 25-18, 25-17 setback against Adrian in the nightcap.

Against Anderson (3-6), sophomore middle hitter Olivia Arledge (Chillicothe, Ohio) and freshman middle hitter Hanna Ewart (Wichita, Kan.) combined for 31 of Capital's 55 kills in the match. Freshman middle hitter Mona Ratliff (South Charleston, Ohio) added seven kills and five blocks.

Junior defensive specialist Kelly Leonard (Cincinnati, Ohio) posted a team-best 36 digs, while sophomore Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) registered 18 digs, 30 assists and three service aces.

In the match against Adrian (2-7), four players tallied at least nine kills apiece. Ewart and freshman middle hitter Kristin Bender (Fremont, Ohio) totaled 10 each, while Ratliff and Arledge contributed with nine apiece.

Five players recorded 11 digs each, including junior setter Marissa Price (Tiffin, Ohio), who finished with 24 assists and 11 digs. Leonard paced the defense with 17 digs. Bender led the front row with six blocks.

The Crusaders close tournament play tomorrow against Earlham (Ind.) and Manchester at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.