HOMEWOOD, Ala. – In its opening tournament of 2013 season, the Georgia State volleyball team lost its first two matches. The Panthers lost 3-1 to Presbyterian before falling to host Samford 3-0.

Presbyterian

In their opening match of the season, the Panthers fought hard, but lost 3-1. Georgia State struggled early on, dropping the opening set 25-15. The Panthers went on to lose the second set 25-17, but rebounded and captured the third set 25-15 in part to a .367 attacking percentage. Ultimately, the Panthers couldn't carry the momentum and lost the final set 25-16.

Sophomore Dede Bohannon led all attackers with 14 kills and 11 digs. Senior Emily Averbeck had 13 digs and three services aces, while junior Andrea' Ezell added in six kills. Defensively, sophomore Sydney Hunsley notched two solo blocks and the team combined for six block assists.

Samford

Georgia State's second match of the day featured the Panthers and tournament host Samford. The Bulldogs won their first match of the day against Presbyterian 3-0.

The Panthers managed to keep each set close, but lost 25-22, 25-20 and 25-23. Bohannon again led the Panthers in with nine kills and nine digs, while Hunsley chipped in eight kills. Transfer Kitan Ajanaku added seven in her debut for the Panthers.

“I was happy with how we responded in the second match,” head coach Tami Audia said. “Even though this is not how we wanted to start off the season, we are on the right track. We're doing good things; we just need to work out the kinks.

“We've got two more matches Saturday. We are in the beginning stages of the season and we've just got to keep working hard.”

Georgia State will continue its opening weekend at the Samford tournament with two matches, first against No. 6 Minnesota and another against local rival Mercer. The Panthers will take on the Golden Gophers at 11 a.m. ET and the Bears at 4 p.m. Live stats are available and for a full recap, check GeorgiaStateSports.com.