MORRISVILLE, N.Y. -- The Simmons University women's volleyball team won the first two sets, 25-21, 25-23, but were unable to close out the match, falling in the final three frames, 25-19, 25-23, 15-12, in a 3-2  loss to host Morrisville State College at the Morrisville State College Tournament this afternoon at the John W. Stewart Center for Student Activities. The Sharks fall to 0-1 in the season opener, while the Mustangs improve to 1-0.

Simmons was extremely efficient, hitting .220 in the opening set to fuel the Sharks to a 1-0 lead. Morrisville later hit a robust .297 in the third set as it cut the deficit to 2-1 and closed out the match with a .269 hitting mark in the fifth frame.

Sophomore middle blocker Amanda Fortune (Round Rock, Texas) led all players with an outstanding hitting percentage of .393 and paced the Simmons attack with 16 kills, while committing just five errors. She also added four digs and a block assist. Junior setter Faith Gray-Williams (Las Vegas, Nev.) recorded a double-double with 13 digs and a career-high 54 assists to go with three block assists. Junior outside hitter Morgan Weeg (Goodyear, Ariz.) made her return to the court after missing all of last season with an injury and didn't miss a beat with 14 kills and four digs, while junior right side hitter Megan Purser (Miami, Fla.) contributed with 12 kills, two block assists and a pair of digs. Junior libero Morgan Lauvray (Murrieta, Calif.) came up with a career-high 28 digs to lead all defenders on the court, while junior defensive specialist Julia Fusco (Beverly, Mass.) picked up 16 digs.

The Sharks return to action when they take on Geneva College at 5:00 p.m. today.