The Liberty netters took the court in Charlottesville on Saturday to kick off their spring volleyball tournament season. The Lady Flames played two sets of four games against the Virginia Cavaliers. Assistant coach Jennifer Vaden directed the team's efforts, as head coach Shane Pinder was away on a recruiting trip.

"Coach Pinder has taken this program to a place where it is easy to fill in even when he is out recruiting," Vaden said. "We did some really great things today. There are some areas that we need to work on, but we are excited to get back in the gym. We are looking forward to facing Virginia Tech after spring break."

Reigning Big South Freshman of the Year Nicki Scripko flourished in her first competition since making the move from right-side hitter to outside hitter. She put down 21 kills and hit .358 during the first set of games.

Classmate Karyl Bacon starred defensively during the opening set of games, tallying 23 digs. Jessica Nelson, one of two seniors on the 2008 Liberty volleyball roster, had 22 digs during the afternoon session.

The Lady Flames head to Blacksburg for the Virginia Tech spring tournament on March 29.