BIG RAPIDS - Lake Superior State opened the 2011 volleyball season Friday at the Ferris State Invitational with three-set losses to Upper Iowa and Southern Indiana.

Upper Iowa defeated LSSU, 25-19, 25-20, 25-17, while USI claimed a 25-21, 25-20, 25-15 decision.

Junior Nikki Stratelak totaled 18 kills for the day to lead the Lakers' attack. She had 11 kills against Upper Iowa, while Jeanna Radzinski followed with eight and former libero Brittany Newberry, who played all-around for the first time during her collegiate career, had six. Setters Janelle Balkwill and Marylou Drobish contributed 15 and 11 assists, respectively. Drobish also led in digs with nine.

Newberry and Balkwill totaled eight kills each, and Stratelak had seven against Southern Indiana. Drobish finished with 14 assists, and Balkwill had 12. Libero Katie Fitzpatrick led in digs with 14, while Newberry followed with 10. 

Radzinski, a middle hitter, had a .435 attack percentage (12-2-23) for the day.

The Lakers (0-2) play Drury at 9 a.m. and Urbana at 5 p.m. Saturday at FSU.

LSSU vs. Upper Iowa

LSSU vs. Southern Indiana