The Webster University volleyball team faced a pair of Benedictine schools to open the 2012 season at home.  The Gorloks came away 1-1 as they defeated Benedictine-Springfield, 3-0, and dropped the nightcap to Benedictine-Chicago, 0-3, on August 31, at Grant Gymnasium.  Webster has a number of new weapons to go along with a solid returning core, and Coach Merry Graf utilized a number of them in the home opener.

Webster downed Benedictine-Springfield, 25-13, 25-21, and 25-18 to start the evening.  The Gorloks were without the services of injured starters Liz Abraham (JR, Hermann HS, MO) and Emily Ratkewicz (SO, Granite City HS, IL) but several newcomers filled the void.   Sam Kersting (SO, Lindbergh HS, MO), a 6-1 transfer, picked up the slack in the middle and sophomore transfer Megan Morrison (Lutheran South HS, MO) took over at libero.  Both performed well in the first action as Gorloks.

Against Benedictine-Chicago, Webster lost in straight sets, but were within striking distance in all three.  The Gorloks dropped the first set 19-25, inched closer while losing the second 20-25, and yet closer in the third, falling 22-25.

Webster has a week off before travelling to Terre Haute, IN, to play in the Rose-Hulman Tournament on September 8-9, when they will play four matches.  The Gorloks return to Grant Gymnasium on September 11 and see their first St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action, facing Westminster College.