ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Taylor Massengale smashed 16 kills as the senior middle hitter led Stanislaus State to a season-opener victory at the Springhill Suites Invitational at the Alaska Airlines Center. The Warriors spiked Westminster in straight sets, 25-23, 25-13, 25-22.

In the late-nightcap against host Alaska Anchorage, the 14th-ranked Seawolves were too strong in handing Stan State a three-set decision, 25-23, 25-11, 25-19.

The Warriors will take their 1-1 opening day record into Saturday's day two of the tournament with matches against #19 Arkansas-Fort Smith (2-0) at 11:30 a.m. ADST and Rollins College (0-2) at 4:30 p.m. ADST.

In the victory over Westminster, the Warriors recovered from a sluggish start in the first set before dominating the rest of the way, including an impressive set No. 2 that started with a six-point run, and ended with a five-point spurt.

With a .480 hitting percentage and amassing 18.5 points, Massengale was a leading hitter against the Griffins. Massengale had six kills in the first set including the set-winner. Blair Ehrlich added 11 kills and 19 digs, and Paige Walker topped things off with 8 kills of her own. Setter Maddi Seidl handed off 40 assists to support the team.

Earning a whopping 59 points to the opponents 35, the Warriors played a great offensive game. The Warriors hit a .289 as a team, hitting .485 in the second set. Their defensive game didn't fail to keep up as they dug 58 balls during the match. 

Westminster College (0-2), located in Salt Lake City, Utah, was led by Amara Spere with nine kills.

Despite the loss against Alaska Anchorage, Ehrlich had a decent night with 14 kills and 14 digs. Middle blocker Morgan Miller ened the match with a .375 hitting percentage and Seidl helped her team with 28 assists. Freshman Victoria Larsen broke-out with eight kills.

Alaska Anchorage (5-1) was led by outside hitter Leah Swiss with 13 kills.

On the day, Ehrlich recorded two double-doubles, tallying 25 kills and 33 digs.