The University of Sioux Falls volleyball team split a pair of games played at the Red Raider Classic at Northwestern College (Iowa).

USF had a tough match-up to start the 2009 season, opening against No. 11 nationally-ranked Bellevue University (2-0). The Cougars were able to capture the third game 25-18, but lost the match in four games (18-25, 23-25, 25-18, 16-25). "We did not play a very good game" head volleyball coach Lisa Mathes-Peters said. "We weren't aggressive at the net." Junior outside hitter Danielle Roers (Lakeville, Minn.) led the team with 11 kills, while junior setter Smantha Haffke (Bellevue, Neb.) added 17 assists and libero Rachel Heeney (South Sioux City, Neb.) totaled 23 digs.

Only a few hours removed from their first game of the year, USF defeated Valley City State University in three games (25-14, 25-23, 25-19). "We responded well coming off a loss to play a well-round game against Valley City" Mathes-Peters said of the first victory of the very young season.

Sneller had a dominating performance against the Vikings (1-2), totaling 12 kills and 15 assists. Heeney did an admirable job of commanding the floor as she was credited with 26 digs while Haffke led the team with 18 assists and added another six digs. Sophomore Kinzie Van Voorst (Hull, Iowa) showed her all-around ability with seven kills and 16 digs.

The Cougar volleyball team will be back in action at the Red Raider Classic tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. against Mayville State University (0-2), then finishing the tournament at 5:00 p.m. against Peru State College (1-1).