HONOLULU, Hawaii — The No. 3 Eastern Oregon University volleyball team stayed in top form in its first game of the Magic Island Hawaii Classic on Friday, August 25.

The Mountaineers defeated No. 25 Jessup University 3-1, earning their third top-25 victory of the early season. The win improved Eastern Oregon’s record to 5-0.

The first set started neck-and-neck, as both teams exchanged leads in the early stages. Eastern Oregon never trailed by more than two, but Jessup hung around and pushed the score to 10-9 in favor of the Mountaineers midway through the set. A big five-point swing helped Eastern Oregon extend its lead and cruise to win the set 25-19.

Jessup came out firing in the second set, taking an early 6-1 lead. Eastern Oregon was unable to climb back into contention and let the frame slip away for a 25-12 loss that evened the match at 1-1.

The start of the third set made it seem as if Jessup could take control of the match, as the Mountaineers fell behind 5-0 out of the gates. Eastern Oregon embarked on a 4-0 run to take a 9-7 lead midway through. Eastern Oregon went on a 6-0 run late in the set that flipped the switch and put the Mountaineers in control, allowing them to win the set 25-18.

The fourth set was Eastern Oregon’s most dominant frame, winning 25-14. The Mountaineers never trailed in the set and won the match off an attack error by Jessup.

Sade Williams led the way with 13 kills, while Mylie Mills recorded nine blocks at the net. Alexis McMurtrey tallied 15 assists and Hannah Ledgerwood led Eastern Oregon with four aces.

Up next, the Mountaineers will face Bryan College in the second of three games at the Magic Island Hawaii Classic. The match is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 25.