KINGStON, R.I. – The University of Hartford volleyball team dropped a three-set decision to the University of Texas-El Paso in the opening day of the Art Carmichael Invitational hosted by the University of Rhode Island. The Hawks were led by senior Dionna Kirton and rookie Corinne Horanzy who each finished with six kills.

Following Kirton and Horanzy in leading the Hawks was junior Maya Louis who finished with four kills and three players who all contributed three kills, Jackie Tamburri, Lindsay Anderson and Sareeta Nethersole. Among the leading hitters, the Hawks setter led the teams hitting efforts with a .750 percentage, finishing without and error in four attempts. As a team, Hartford hit.147 with 31 kills and 16 error sin 102 total attacks.

Tamburri finished the match with 23 assists while defensively, Hartford was led by rookie libero Paola Llerandi who finished with 11 digs. Kirton followed her with 10 digs, her seventh match of the season with double figure digs. The Hawks also finished with four total blocks, led by Anderson and Nethersole who each finished with two blocks, one solo block and one block assist apiece.

Hartford will continue play in the Art Carmichael Invitational on Saturday with a single, early morning match against the host Rhode Island Rams. The Hawks and URI are scheduled to open the action at 3 p.m. at Keaney Gymnasium.