HARRISONBURG, Va. – In a meeting of reigning conference champions, Fairfield University Volleyball – the three-time defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champion – was clipped in straight sets by back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association Champion James Madison on Friday afternoon in Harrisonburg, Va. Laura Seeger led the Stags with 11 kills on .409 hitting in her collegiate debut against the host Dukes.
 
Seeger's outing was one of several standout performances from Fairfield's class of newcomers as fellow rookies Emily Schillinger and Julia Kallen added six kills apiece for the Stags. Rounding out the attack, Luci Albertson sent home two kills with Mayda Garcia, Sonja Radulovic and Kaylie Butts each putting down one.
 
Also making her Fairfield debut was Alexis Rich, who managed the offense with 21 assists in addition to one kill of her own from the setter position.
 
On the defensive end, Taylor Rudeen helmed the back row with 15 digs and helped run the attack at libero with six assists. Rich added seven digs with Kallen and Radulovic each pitching in with six.
 
At the net, Albertson had a hand in all six of the Stags' team blocks, including two solo rejections. Seeger got a piece of three send-backs and Schillinger was a part of one stuff.
 
The Stags also scored four points from the serving game with one ace apiece dropped in by Alberton, Rich, Sophia Hosokawa and Jamie Calandro.
 
James Madison was led by 11 kills from All-CAA hitter Bryn Recker, who completed a double-double with 11 digs. Sarah Martin ran the Dukes' attack with 37 assists, and Sarah Driscoll guided the back row with a team-high 15 digs.

Fairfield continues action at the Tropical Smoothie Invitational tomorrow morning against another 2017 NCAA postseason participant, the Missouri Tigers of the SEC. First serve is slated for 10:30 a.m. It will be the first time that the Stags open their season against two NCAA Championship qualifiers from the prior year since starting the 2012 campaign against Milwaukee and Duke.
 
The Stags wrap-up the weekend at 5 p.m. on Saturday against Delaware State and will open the home slate on Wednesday, Aug. 29 with a 7 p.m. visit from crosstown foe Sacred Heart. Town of Fairfield residents in attendance will receive free entry into a drawing to win tickets to select Fairfield Men's and Women's Basketball games.
 
Admission is free for all fans to all Fairfield Volleyball regular season home matches.