Box Score Being able to come on strong down the stretch in sets goes a long way for a volleyball program. The John Carroll University volleyball team strung together two strong late-set runs to take the 25-19, 25-20, 25-10 win against Lawrence University in the season-opener.

Playing in the Purple Raider Classic in Alliance, Ohio, JCU opened its season with a 3-set sweep for the second straight year.

"I think our ball control improved toward the end of both sets one and two," said third-year head coach Laura Rodeffer. "We were able to be in system. Kit was putting up good and accurate sets. That's what we've been preaching, being accurate for three options."

Sophomore Natalie May led the Blue Streaks on an 11-0 run to start the third set recording six aces, including four in a row. The six aces were the most in a 3-set match since Kerry Fox tallied the same amount against Hiram in 2010.

Said Rodefer, "We've been working on service pressure. It was great to see Natalie come in and go on a huge run like that. It really picked up the whole team."

Junior Sarah Orlandi and sophomore Leah Switalski led the attack combining for 23 kills while combining to hit .526. For the match JCU hit .286 including a red-hot .667 in the third set. The Blue Streaks held the Vikings to a .010 hitting mark.

Down 13-10 in the first set, the "Streaky Streaks" came storming back rattling off a 13-2 run to take a 7-point lead at 22-15. Leading the way during the run was Orlandi rattling home five kills during the run including three straight. Switalski was also hot in the first set connecting on four kills in the frame. Alex Ehrett closed out the set with her third kill of the afternoon to give JCU the 25-19 win.

Needing another late run to spark a win in the second set, John Carroll's hitters were up for the task. Down 18-17, the Blue and Gold opened up a 4-point cushion at 22-18 backed by three kills from Switalski and one from sophomore Madeline McDowell. After the Vikings pulled within two at 22-20 Switalski (two) and Orlandi (one) combined for three kills to close the set.

Already up 13-2 in the third set, John Carroll pushed its lead to 15 on a kill from Julianne McGervey and two Viking attack errors. Two kills from sophomore Alexa Webber coupled with two Viking attack errors closed out the match.

Sophomore Kit O'Shaughnessy picked up her first double-double of the season with 34 assists and 10 digs.

John Carroll returns to action on Saturday morning with a twinbilling. The Blue and Gold play St. Mary's (Ind.) at 10 a.m. before taking on Bethany (W.Va.) at noon.