AMHERST, Mass. -- The Brandeis University volleyball team lost back-to-back matches for the first time this season tonight of the first night of action at the Amherst College Invitational. The Judges (5-3) fell to Johnson and Wales University, 24-30, 28-30, 30-23, 23-30, in the opening round. In the second match, Brandeis topped host Amherst in game one, 32-30, but dropped three in a row after that, 27-30, 14-30, 23-30.

Against JWU, sophomore outside hitter Lorraine Wingenbach (Buffalo, N.Y.) led the way with 12 kills and 15 digs. Rookie middle blocker Bridget McAllister (Santa Clara, Calif.) added 10 kills and four blocks, while sophomore setter Violette Ruggiero (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) had 41 assists.

In the nightcap, Wingenbach tallied another double-double with a team-high 16 digs and 16 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Becca Schwartz (Newcastle, N.H.) topped the Judges with 17 kills. First-year middle blocker Piera Carfagno (Los Angeles, Calif.) recorded five service aces and three blocks.

Brandeis takes on Middlebury and Westfield State College on the second day of action at the Amherst Invitational.