Box Score WASHINGTON, DC --- The Howard University women's volleyball team opened their 2014 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over the George Mason Patriots in their first match of the annual DC Volleyball Challenge at American University Friday afternoon.

Freshman Khaila Donaldson was one of several players to post strong numbers in the season premiere for Howard (1-0). The 5-10 outside hitter posted a game-high 21 kills in her collegiate debut and posted the best hitting percentage (.245) of any player who attempted 10 or more attacks. Donaldson also added 15 digs, one block and four block assists against Mason (0-1).

Senior setter Stephanie Shultis picked up where she left off in 2013 by putting the team in position to be successful, logging a game high 45 assists.

Three other Lady Bison recorded seven or more kills - seniors Assata Conway and Meagan Lagerlef (8) and sophomore Katherine Broussard (7). Conway added six digs and six block assists, Broussard led all players with 16 digs and Lagerlef added a pair of digs and a block assist as well.

Howard and Mason played close throughout the first two sets. The Lady Bison held off four Patriot ties and never trailed in the first set before prevailing, 25-21.

The second was even more back-and-forth than the first and Howard would not trail for the first time until Mason took a 16-15 lead. After another seven ties and the game knotted at 27-27, Howard would claim the set, 29-27, on a Donaldson kill and an attack error by sophomore Jessie Greenslade.

The third set would be the quickest of the match but unfortunately the results went against the Lady Bison as Howard scored the first point but never led again in losing the set, 25-18.

However, Howard would correct their missteps and fought from as many as six points down (2-8) to eventually win the final set, 25-21, and take the game.

Howard will return to action with DC Volleyball Challenge doubleheader - an 11 a.m. matchup with the host American University Eagles and a 5 p.m. tilt with the Georgetown Hoyas.

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