New York, NY – Senior opposite Amanda Kamm (Dix Hills, NY/Hills West) picked up where she left off last season, leading the Hawks to victory, this time a 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-18) win in the season opener against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Thursday night at the Hunter Sportsplex.

Senior outside hitter Olga Petrenko (Bronx, NY/Environmental Studies) played a huge role in the team's success tonight, hitting eight kills and picking up a team high 15 digs. Freshman middle blocker Mallory Grubler (Bayside, NY/Cardozo) added seven kills in her collegiate debut. Also making her Hunter debut tonight was sophomore setter Stephanie Broome (Lynbrook, NY/Lynbrook) who tallied 32 assists. Sophomore middle blocker Tracey Igwe (Bronx, NY/DeWitt Clinton) rounded things out with four kills, three solo and one assisted block.

The Mariners were led by junior middle blocker Jesselyn LaValley (Havelock, NC/Havelock) who tied a game high 13 kills and sophomore setter Jenna Palaschak (Annandale, VA/W.T. Woodson) added 19 assists and five digs.

The Hawks will return to the court next Thursday, September 11when they host the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City University for a non-conference match at 6:00 p.m.