MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Bonnie West recorded a game-high 20 digs and Serinna Russo added 10 digs and 10 kills to lead West Virginia University, 3-0 over Howard University in the opening round of the West Virginia Classic at the WVU Coliseum.

Under new head coach Dawn Barnes, the Lady Bison (0-1) got off to a fast start in the first set before the Mountaineers rallied to take the first set, 25-21.  With West, a senior All Big East second team selection leading the way, West Virginia University (1-0) would go on to win the next two sets, 25-18, 25-18.

"It was clearly a case of first game jitters," said Coach Barnes.  "West Virginia is a very athletic team and it was a good test for us.  I fully expect is to do better in our next two matches.  It's just a matter of us getting a comfort zone."

Howard got inspired play from junior Jiyana Brown and senior Nicole Brown, who recorded 11 and 10 digs, respectively.  Senior Gazelle d"Artois, the pre-season MEAC Player of the Year, chipped in with 8 digs and 7 kills while junior Tosin Elebute had a game-high 12 kills in a losing effort.

"Elebute was spectacular with 12 kills and I thought that Jiya and Nicole also performed well," added Coach Barnes.

The Lady Bison will look for their first win when they take on the University of Buffalo on Sunday at 7 am.  They will close out the tournament against Akron University on Sunday at 4:30 pm