The Valparaiso volleyball team remained perfect on the season as the Crusaders defeated UC Riverside 27-30, 30-27, 30-22, 30-26 late Monday evening in Riverside, Calif. to continue the best start in school history.

In a match that lasted two hours and 12 minutes, Valpo rallied after dropping game one to win the next three and improve to 5-0.

Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) led the Brown and Gold with 18 kills while hitting .256. She added four aces and 14 digs. Michelle Robinson (Bloomington, Ill./Normal H.S.) added 15 kills, while Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) contributed 11 kills. Cyndi Norman (Minooka, Ill./Minooka H.S.) dished out 46 assists.

Defensively, Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) tallied 21 digs while Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) added eight blocks.

Rosanna Parizek led the Highlanders with 24 kills while Jamie DeKiewiet added 11 kills and 30 digs. Kym Murphy dished out 55 assists and registered 20 digs for UC Riverside (1-2).

Valpo will return to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Friday evening for its home opener when the Crusaders host Cleveland State in the Crusader Classic. First serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Indiana State will battle East Tennessee State in the opening match at 5 p.m.