A timely surge late in the first match of the day propelled the Hope College volleyball team to a winning start to the season-opening Washington-St. Louis Bear Invitational on Friday.

The 15th-ranked Flying Dutch scored five of the final six points for a 25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 23-25, 16-14 victory against Webster, Missouri, then rebounded from dropping the first set against Dominican, Illinois to win 26-28, 25-16, 25-17, 26-24.

Senior outside hitter Haley Muller of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Christian) topped Hope with 16 kills vs. Dominican and 12 against vs. Webster.

Junior middle hitter Grace Ditzenberger of Centennial, Colorado (Chaparral), pictured, added 11 kills against Dominican and nine against Webster.

Junior Katie Rietberg of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa) reached double-digits with 11 kills vs. Webster.

Senior setter Sophie Hackett of Indianapolis, Indiana (Brebeuf Jesuit Prep) was credited with 48 assists and 23 digs against Webster, and 39 assists and 13 digs against Dominican.

The Flying Dutch conclude the two-day tournament on Saturday, September 2 with matches vs. nationally ranked Hendrix, Missouri and Washington-St. Louis.