HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas split their first two matches on the opening day of the UST Volleyball Classic on Friday.

UST defeated Louisiana College in three sets, then dropped a three-set decision to former Red River Athletic Conference rival Huston-Tillotson.

The Celts conclude the event Saturday at 3 p.m. when they host NAIA opponent Xavier (La.). The match will be the third of the day at UST's Jerabeck Center.

Celts 3, Louisiana College 0

The Celts had little trouble in their opening match of the day, turning away fellow NCAA Division III program Louisiana College in three sets.

Scores of the match were 25-16, 25-21, and 25-11.

Freshman hitter Alaina Lanik (FR/Richmond, Texas) knocked down 10 kills to lead the Celts (6-13). She committed just one attacking error against the Wildcats and hit .360 for the match.

Emily Jaroszewski (JR/Sugar Land, Texas) knocked down six kills and took part in four blocks for the Celts, while Kelsie Walker (JR/Baytown, Texas) and Courtney Bates (FR/Humble, Texas) put away five kills apiece for UST.

Walker finished with a double-double, as she also handed out 22 assists and tallied a team-high 14 digs. She also served five aces against the Wildcats, as did freshman teammate Priscilla Pham (FR/Fulshear, Texas).

The entire match featured only five ties and three lead changes. The Celts hit .375 in set three, committing only one error in 24 attempts.

Chelsea Guerrero (JR/Katy, Texas) recorded 13 digs for the Celts against the Wildcats, followed by Lanik (nine digs) and Mariah Regan (SO/Katy, Texas) (eight digs).

Huston-Tillotson 3, Celts 0

The Celts were unable to maintain their momentum in their second match of the day against former NAIA foe Huston-Tillotson. The Rams won the match by scores of 25-15, 25-18, 25-17.

Bates and Jaroszewski led the Celts with five kills apiece. Walker handed out a team-high 14 assists, while Regan led the defensive effort with 16 digs; Regan took over libero duties in the second set.