Behind the best match of Lauren Thompson's career, the Youngstown State volleyball team improved to 4-0 with a sweep of UMass Lowell on Friday afternoon in its first match at the Duquesne/Robert Morris Invitational.

Thompson finished with a career-high 13 kills on a .435 attack percentage while adding a career-best seven digs as the Penguins earned their fourth straight sweep. Youngstown State outhit the River Hawks .289 to .097.

"Their libero did an unbelievable job, and their game plan worked really well in the first set," YSU head coach Mark Hardaway said. "Once we made some adjustments after the slow start, we really got in sync. Lauren carried us early until we got into rhythm offensively about midway through the second set. I loved our blocking and our serving late in the match."

Jessie Gerig posted a double-double with 32 assists and 11 digs in her first start of the season at setter, and Lexi Egler led all players with 13 digs. Aly Ryan had six blocks to go with her four kills.

Masha Yelsukova led UMass Lowell with eight kills.

Youngstown State will play Robert Morris at 7 this evening. The Colonials lost to Indiana State, which YSU will play on Saturday, earlier today in four sets.