Junior Kristin Jones came up strong at the net with four blocks during the Lady 'Hounds' season opener. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Last season Fulton ended the Marshall volleyball team's four-year hold on the NCMC title, and doesn't appear ready to release it.

Senior Carly Page served seven aces Thursday to lead the Lady Hornets to a 25-9, 25-8 victory in the Bird Cage -- an impressive feat considering the Lady Owls only managed to successfully receive 12 serves.

Sophomore Haley Clark recorded five kills for Fulton (1-0, 1-0 NCMC), which swept the series last season.

Marshall was led by senior Maddy Keller's five kills and eight digs. Senior Cassie Hayes had a pair of spikes and pulled up four shots and senior Stephanie Heinzler set four of the team's 10 kills.

The Lady Owls (0-2, 0-1) will be in Independence on Saturday for the William Chrisman Tournament.

Santa Fe 2, Smithton 0

ALMA -- Santa Fe racked up 18 aces Thursday to cruise to a 25-13, 25-9 non-conference win over visiting Smithton.

Senior Chelsea Gieselman sent seven serves to the floor, with seniors Joci Russell and junior Lauren Aversman combining for nine more. When the Lady Tigers (0-2) were able to start a volley, Gieselman finished four of them with kills and helped end another five with sets.

Senior Kylie Wagner knocked down three shots, senior Joci Russell recorded three digs and sophomores Anna Sleeper and Molly Sander each had three assists for the Lady Chiefs.

Santa Fe (2-0) will be on the road Tuesday for its I-70 Conference opener at Crest Ridge.

Lone Jack 2, Sweet Springs 0

SWEET SPRINGS -- Sweet Springs dropped its season opener Thursday, but head coach Kristen Niemeyer liked much of what she saw.

"I was happy with the way our girls played as a whole," she said. "We have things to work on, but it will come along."

Junior Kristin Jones was a force at the net with four blocks to go along with a pair of kills during the Lady Greyhounds' 25-11, 25-14 non-conference loss at Lone Jack (1-1). Senior Stephanie Krause had four kills, senior Morgan Fuehring came up with five digs and junior Kathleen Tyler provided five assists.

Sweet Springs (0-1) will play Monday at Braymer.