ELMHURST, Ill. -- The 25th-ranked University of Chicago volleyball team opened its 2011 campaign with a pair of victories Friday night at the Elmhurst College Invitational.

Chicago began the evening with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-15 win over Adrian College (0-1).

Senior outside hitter Colleen Belak (Louisville, Ky./ Presentation) and junior middle blocker Caroline Brander (River Forest, Ill./ Trinity) each hit eight kills and combined to hit at a .433 clip.

In her debut as the Maroons' setter, sophomore Nikki DelZenero (Hinsdale, Ill./ Hinsdale Central) was credited with 35 assists to go along with a pair of aces.

In Friday's second match, the Maroons won a four-set decision over the host Bluejays (1-1) 25-22, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23.

Sophomore outside hitter Morgan Clark (Purcellville, Va./ Loudon Valley) and senior outside hitter Isis Smalls (Humble, Texas/ Atascocita) hit 16 and 14 kills, respectively.

Junior libero Samantha Brown (Louisville, Ky./ Mercy Academy) led the Maroons in double digit digs with 17.

Action continues Saturday as the Maroons take on John Carroll University at 10 a.m. and Capital University at noon.