The Baker University volleyball team showed up hot in its 2009 season debut last weekend in Orange City, Iowa, returning with a 3-1 record.

The ‘Cats set the stage early defeating Briar Cliff University in four games. Match two was the only bump in Baker’s road as the team fell to a tough No. 5 Northwestern College in three games. The Wildcats breezed by their final two matches against Concordia University and Dakota Wesleyan University to conclude the Red Raider Classic.

Leading BU’s front-line attack was junior Brooke Pryor with 44 kills in the tournament.

Sophomore Brooke Allen controlled the back court with 89 digs during the weekend. Pryor said she was impressed with the team’s chemistry, especially with many new players on the court.

“It was a big tournament because of the high-quality teams that were there,” Pryor said. “For us to come out and be 3-1 really proves that we have the potential to compete with the top teams in the NAIA.”