LAS VEGAS - Whitworth University split a pair of matches at the Las Vegas Blast tournament to open the 2007 season. The Pirates defeated College of Notre Dame (Maryland) 30-23, 30-8, 30-19 before falling to fellow Northwest Conference member Whitman College 30-26, 32-30, 30-26.

Rusch led the Bucs in kills

Sarah Rusch (Jr., MB, Walla Walla, Wash.), a transfer from Walla Walla College, led the Pirates with 24 kills in the two matches. Courtney Hutchins (Fr., MB, Selah, Wash.) added 18 kills and seven blocks. Holly Ridings finished with 66 assists in the two contests.

While Whitworth rolled to easy wins in each game of the first match, the Bucs could not hold on to late leads in games two and three of the Whitman contest. Whitworth led the Missionaries 28-23 in game two and 23-22 in game three.

Whitworth will complete the tournament on Saturday with matches against NCAA Division III members Rivier College (N.H.) and Russell Sage College (N.Y.).