The Washburn Lady Blues volleyball team began 2009 on a good note, taking their first two matches of the season by the score of 3-0 Friday in the Oredigger Classic in Golden, Colo.

Hosted by the Colorado School of Mines, the Lady Blues opened the tournament with a sweep of Western State winning 25-19, 25-16 and 25-20. And although it was a victory, the team didn’t bring it’s best stuff.

The first [game] showed us that we still have a lot of stuff that we need to work on in practice,” said Mollie Lacy, sophomore hitter.

“Just learning how to play with each other and communicating. We blocked and hit really well today. So probably just defense and just knowing where everyone needs to be and communicating to each other about that.”

The second game went better for the Lady Blues and they picked up another sweep beating Adams State 25-9, 25-23, 25-8. Lacy said the team played much better in the second game against Adams State and that it was ironic because Adams was actually a better team than Western.

“The second game really got us excited. We played really well and it showed that we’ll have a lot of potential this year I think,” said Lacy.

Head coach Chris Herron, who is in his eighth year with the Lady Blues, has garnered much respect over the years with all the achievements his teams have been a part of. And while the first game showed some early jitters the team may have, Lacy said “he was a lot happier” after the team’s performance in the second game.

The Lady Blues are back in action today with their first match beginning at noon versus Mesa State. They will finish the tournament this evening with a 6:30 p.m. matchup versus Fort Lewis.

“Coach scouted [Friday] when we went to eat lunch. [Mesa State and Fort Lewis] will be probably around the same talent level as [Adams State].and hopefully we’ll come ready to play [today] and bring our A game,” said Lacy.