ATLANTA, Ga. -- In their first University Athletic Association match of the 2010 season, played at Emory University, the Brandeis volleyball team faced top-ranked and defending national champions Washington University. The Judges pushed the Bears to the limit in the first set, owning a 19-14 lead before succumbing, 25-23. WashU took control in the second two sets to walk away with 25-14, 25-16, victories. With the loss, Brandeis falls to 9-6 on the season, having dropped four of their last five matches, while Washington U. improves to 14-0 on the campaign.

Brandeis was paced by senior outside hitter Paige Blasco (Greeley, Colo./Frontier Acad.), who had 11 kills. Twin sister Abby had 23 assists and tied for team-high honors with eight digs. Sophomore Susan Sun (Acton, Mass./Acton-Boxborough) matched Abby Blasco with eight digs, while senior middle blocker Nicole Smith (Marietta, Ga./Alan C. Pope) had two blocks (one solo).

The first UAA Round Robin continues tomorrow when the Judges take on Rochester and 19th-ranked Chicago tomorrow.