ROCKLIN, Calif. - After a long anticipated start to the season, the Red Hawks had a tall task to begin their campaign; take on three top teams on the West Coast all in one day.

However, Simpson would come out with a lot of fire against non-conference rival, William Jessup, in set one of three. Each team led in the back and forth opening game of the match, but Jessup would rally late in the 27-25 set win. Feeling comfortable on their home floor, the Warriors quickly found a rhythm rattling off two more set wins (25-21, 25-15) to pick up the 3-0 sweep.

Even though the Red Hawks did not record the win, there were many positive performances from the match. Ashley Job led Simpson in kills with seven, followed closely behind by Miranda Cook and Ashley Cervantes with six. Cervantes also finished with a match-high 11 assists just edging out Madison Stouder with nine.

Simpson had little time to wallow, clashing with the 13th ranked team in the country, Southern Oregon, just hours later.

Once again, the Red Hawks played their best set in the opener, but fell in straight sets to the Southern Oregon juggernaut, 25-20, 25-18, 25-17.

In match three of the marathon tournament, SU took on Northwest Christian University. The Beacons (in only their second match) used their fresh legs to tally a three set sweep over Simpson, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

Despite the tough start to the season, the Red Hawks received good performances from many different players throughout the day.

Simpson will have nine days to prepare for yet another difficult non-conference tournament, as the Red Hawks head to Ashland, Ore. to compete in the SOU tournament on August 25th, 2018.