SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The University of West Alabama split the first day of the UIS Capital Classic, defeating Upper Iowa 3-2 in their season opener on Friday. The Tigers fell to William Jewel 2-3 in their final match of the day.

UWA moves to 1-1 on the season. Upper Iowa falls to 0-1, while William Jewel improves to 1-1.

"Getting that first win as a team is always tough, and we were able to come out and get that on the first try today," said UWA head coach Alexis Meeks. "Losing that second match was tough because our stats were better, but that's why the game is played and William Jewel fought hard. I'm so proud of what we accomplished today though. We never gave up and as a coach that's all you can ask. We're ready to get after it again tomorrow."

The Tigers traded sets with the Peacocks, taking the first, third and fifth sets 25-22, 25-21 and 18-16, respectively. UWA combined to hit a .202 attack percentage, while UIU finished with .179.

Briana Sandifer, Yanesha Johnson and Liz Woodard each posted double-digit kills, with Sandifer landing 25, Johnson with 17 and Woodard with 12. Sandifer and Johnson each recorded 13 digs in the match.

Alisha VanderWoude led the UIU offense with 12 kills, while Ashley Larson tallied 19 digs for the Peacocks.

UWA dropped their first set against William Jewel 19-25, and responded by taking the second and third sets 25-19 and 25-14. The Tigers fell in the final two sets 20-25 and 10-15.

Briana Sandifer continued to lead the UWA offense with 22 kills, while Yanesha Johnson picked up her second double-double of the day, recording 18 kills and 30 digs. Abby Ames recorded double-digit dig numbers with 18.

William Jewel combined for a .211 attack percentage, while West Alabama finished with .147. Olivia Johnston led the Cardinals' attack with 10 kills, while Kennedy Ruckh finish with 20 digs for WJU.

The Tigers will continue in the tournament Saturday, facing Illinois-Springfield at 1 p.m. and Ohio Valley at 5 p.m.