PROVIDENCE, R.I. — September 12, 2008 — The Springfied College women’s volleyball team split a pair of games in the opening day of the Johnson & Wales Invitational on Friday evening.

In its first match, the Pride topped Connecticut College in four games by the scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20. The Pride then dropped its final match of the evening to Keene State in four games, losing 26-28, 25-19, 25-16, 25-22.

In the victory over Conn. College, Aylene Ilkson (Baldwin, N.Y.) powered Springfield to victory as she recorded a double-double off 12 kills and 23 digs. Kelsea Hellyar (Fairhaven, Mass.) handed out 42 assists in the win.

Heather Lively (Royalston, Mass.) hammered out 18 kills, while Heidi Yohe (Deer Park, Wash.) added 16 digs in Springfield’s loss to the Owls. Hellyar dished out 35 assists in the loss.

The Pride wrap up the tournament when it takes on host Johnson & Wales and Western Connecticut on Saturday.