Marietta, Ohio – The 2017 season got off to a blazing hot start for the Transylvania volleyball team, which cruised to a three-set victory against the Marietta College Pioneers Friday evening at Ban Johnson Arena.

Led by 31 assists from sophomore setter Hannah Talkers and 14 kills from sophomore right side hitter Jordan Horne, the Pioneers disposed of Marietta 25-14, 25-14, 25-12 in three sets.

Friday night's win launched Transylvania's season off on a promising note as the Pioneers from Lexington won their fifth consecutive season opener. The win also commenced the first of three games to be played this weekend at the Marietta College Invitational.

After a tight first set that featured a bevy of digs and athletic defensive plays, Transylvania broke open an 11-11 tie to finish the first set on a 14-3 scoring run. Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Shivley provided five kills in the opening set while Talkers cashed in with 10 assists to set the tone for the rest of a surgical match.

Transylvania continued its precision in the second set, generating a hitting percentage of .375 as the Pioneers came up with 16 kills against only four errors.

The Pioneers turned up the temperature in the third and final set, marching on to victory on a .385 hitting percentage, committing just one error in the final set.

Friday's game also marked the career debuts for three Transylvania freshmen, including libero Alexis Schumann (one ace), libero Kori Rudolph (one assist), and middle blocker Ellie Stigger (three kills and one block).

Transylvania prepares for a busy Saturday, September 2 as the Pioneers face Oberlin at 11:00 a.m. followed by Hiram at 1:00 p.m.

For more on Transylvania volleyball, follow @TransylvaniaWVB on Twitter