WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Feb. 6) – The opening weekend of the 2011 season for the Jackets was an eventful one that was filled with ups and downs. On Friday, Feb. 4, the men opened up on the road against Saint Vincent and Robert Morris. The Jackets had the advantage of sitting first and being able to watch the teams take on each other first. 

“I believe this was a big advantage,” said senior right side hitter Jesse Famularo. “We got to pay attention to tendencies both teams had and were able to see what weaknesses they both had.”

In Waynesburg's first match they took on Saint Vincent and disposed of them in straight sets (25-13, 25-16). Following the win, the Yellow Jackets squared off with Robert Morris. In the first set, Waynesburg pulled off a come from behind victory winning 25-23, the second set was owned by Robert Morris as they won easily 25-12. Waynesburg came flying out of the gate in the second set and the Jackets never looked back winning convincingly the final set 15-4 and improving to 2-0.

After a successful beginning of the season, the men had another double header Saturday, Feb. 5. Still on the road, they traveled to Saint Vincent to take on the Bearcats and the Mountaineers of West Virginia. With the luxury of sitting once again the Jackets liked where they stood when the day started. After West Virginia took down St. Vincent quickly, it was Waynesburg's turn to take a shot at the Mountaineers. 

After a good first set, the Jackets fell in straight sets to the Mountaineers (18-25, 12-25). 

“WVU didn't get our best and that is what is disappointing about the loss,” Famularo said. “Hopefully we turn things around and don't play that out of sync the rest of the season.” 

Next up was Saint Vincent for the second time in two days. A win would complete a season sweep for the Jackets. After the disappointing performance against WVU, Waynesburg responded with a strong straight-set performance against Saint Vincent (25-16, 25-17). With the split Saturday, the Jackets moved to 3-1 overall.