ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University volleyball team concluded their season opening tournament in Chicago, Ill. against Millikin University. The Regents opened the tournament with two tough losses on Friday. Rockford dropped all three games in straight sets, 25-13, 25-11, and 25-12.

The Regents fell behind immediately in the first set 6-0. However, they fought back to bring the score to within three at 8-5. Unfortunately, they could not claw any closer than three, and fell by the final of 25-13. In the second set, Millikin jumped out to an early lead, 4-0 before both teams started to trade points back and forth. Rockford got as close as 12-9 on a service error by Millikin. However, the Regents were unable to pull any closer falling by the final of 25-11. In the third set, it was the same start as the first two sets when the Big Blue jumped out to an early lead again and never relinquished it. Rockford fell by the final of 25-12.

Leading the Regents on the day were Liberty Hartman (Freeport, Ill.) with a team-high 6 kills, 10 digs, and 2 service aces. Taylor Rossi (Ingleside, Ill.) led the team with 9 assists and 2 service aces. Rossi also recorded 2 kills and 7 digs. Alex Storey (Dexter, Mich.) added 3 kills. Kayla Barthels (Fort Worth, Tex.) tallied 2 assists and 7 digs.

Senior Taylor Rossi was named to the University of Chicago Gargoyle Classic All-Tournament Team for her efforts over the weekend. Rossi led Rockford with 23 assists, tied for the team lead with 25 digs, recorded 5 kills, 2 block assists and 2 service aces. 

The Rockford University volleyball team returns to the court Wednesday September 7 at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wis. with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m.