Women’s volleyball team dropped to 2-7 with two losses at the Colorado Invitational this weekend. The ‘Cats’ struggling offense only hit .122 as a team in a loss to Colorado, Sunday and Oregon, Saturday. Despite the losses, ‘Novas’ own Colorado native Katie Lanting was named to the All-Tournament team along with blocker Kerri Sullivan.

The game against the Colorado Buffaloes marked the first time this season that the team has had all six starters available for play as Erin Birunas and Kate Tucker had returned from injury. But the rust was apparent as both Birunas and Tucker recorded negative hit percentages. Colorado featured three players with double-digit kills as they cruised to the 30-20, 30-20, 30-25 win. The Buffaloes had also beat Oregon on Friday, to secure the tournament crown.

“Things will be smoother, once we get in a week of practice together,” said coach Allison Keeley of the team chemistry.

Against Oregon, Sullivan led the ‘Nova attack with 14 kills, but the Ducks held the offense at bay with 12 team blocks en route to the 30-27, 30-23, 30-23 win.

Except for a pair of wins at the George Washington Invitational, the Villanova squad seems to be struggling with their game. “We need to develop more offensive power and put more time in on service defense to get where we want to be” said Keeley.

The Cats will face off against cross-town rival University of Pennsylvania today at 7p.m. on the main court of Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. The game will start off this weekend’s Villanova Tournament. Play will continue on Saturday with ‘Nova having a doubleheader against UMBC and Manhattan College to round out tournament play. The play against Manhattan will begin at 10a.m. The UMBC match will follow later Saturday afternoon at 3p.m.

“They’ve survived some tough obstacles and kept a strong spirit thus far and I think it will begin to pay off as we head into our tournament and Big East play next week,” said Keeley.

The volleyball players will be in the Quad all day today handing out schedules and trying to arouse some school spirit for the 7p.m. home opener versus UPenn.