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ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop volleyball team kicked off its 2013 season with a 3-0 sweep of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles on the first day of the of the Winthrop Classic.

Winthrop cruised in the first set after an early battle. With the score tied at 4-4, the Eagles went on a 6-0 run to grab a 10-4 lead. Tennessee Tech got back within 13-9, but no closer. Winthrop took the first set 25-16.

The beginning of the second set was again a back-and-forth battle. The two teams were all square through the first 18 points. The Golden Eagles edged out to a slim 13-11 before Winthrop went on a tear. The Eagles limited Tennessee Tech to only two more points and took the set 25-15, closing on a 14-2 run.

The Eagles looked as though they were going to run away with the third set, jumping out to a quick 7-2 lead. Tennessee Tech battled back to get within two at 14-12 but couldn't get any closer. Winthrop took the third set 25-18.

"I was very pleased for our first match," head coach Bruce Atkinson said. "We dictated the tempo the majority of the match and our passers did well to keep us in our system. With our high-tempo offense it typically ends with a kill or an error. It's fun to watch and play."

Winthrop was led offensively by sophomore Rachel Lenz and senior Irene Ojuwku who finished with 11 and 10 kills respectively. Jessie Vicic led the Eagles with 32 assists while Jackie Landers and Maria Volstad finished with 12 and 11 digs respectively.

The Eagles will return to the court on Saturday to take on Fordham at 12:30 p.m. and Savannah State at 7 p.m.