The University of North Dakota women’s volleyball team opened its 2016 season on a winning note, defeating the University of Nebraska-Omaha, 25-17, 25-12, 25-18 on Friday night in Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Fighting Hawks were led by newcomers in the win, which was played before the fourth-largest volleyball crowd — 2,056 — in the history of the Betty. Junior college transfer Tamara Merseli led the way with 10 kills, while redshirt freshman Alivia Fraasegot had 14 digs. Returning upperclassmen Faith Dooley added nine kills, and Chelsea Moser had eight. The Fighting Hawks return to play today with a matches against Mississippi (noon) and the University of California-Davis (7 p.m.). Check out more photos from Russ Hons here.