Four. That's how many wins the Miami University women's volleyball team got en route to a tournament win this past weekend in Terre Haute, Ind. The Red and White came into the Quality Inn/ASICS Classic looking to get their season off to a hot start, and they did not disappoint.

The RedHawks started their undefeated weekend with a 3-0 sweep of Coppin State University Friday, Aug. 26. The season for the 'Hawks couldn't have started off on a better note as the first Miami point of the 2011 campaign was a service ace by junior setter Amy Kendall. Set one stayed close until late when the RedHawks broke away from the Eagles with a 7-2 run, sparked by service aces from Kendall and senior Jenn Caylor, that put them one point away from taking the first set. The Red and White closed out the first set on an Eagle service error. Set two saw the 'Hawks jump out to an early 5-0 lead. That was all the wiggle room they needed, as Miami increased their lead midway through the set to 16-4. Coppin State managed a few points back, but kills from freshman Meg Riley and sophomore Kayleigh Cox put the set away for Miami 25-10. Set three was tight throughout, but another late RedHawk run put the game out of reach for the Eagles. Tied at 19 late in the set, Miami got back on top after two kills from junior Christina Menche. That was all the comfort that was needed, as Miami pulled out a three set sweep with a 25-19 victory.

In the match against Coppin State, junior outside hitter Lisa Treadway, who notched 10 kills and seven digs, led the Red and White. Menche added six kills and Kendall contributed 14 assists.

Later Friday evening, the RedHawks completed their undefeated first day with a 3-1 win over Eastern Illinois University (25-14, 20-25, 25-17, 25-12). Senior Amy Raseman led the way with 14 kills for the RedHawks and sophomore Madison Hardy added 26 digs.

The Red and White's toughest match of the weekend came against the host school on Saturday, the Indiana State University Sycamores. The first two sets were rough for the 'Hawks, who fell 12-25 and 15-25. Set three started off differently, and Miami took advantage of it. A Raseman kill sparked an early 5-0 run for the RedHawks, who controlled a 12-8 lead midway through the set. Miami continued to play well and closed the set out with a 6-1 run en route to a 25-15 victory. The Red and White continued their hot starts in the next two sets, going up 16-8 in the fourth set and 8-3 in the fifth. That was all the cushion they needed, as they earned a come from behind 3-2 victory over Indiana State.

"This weekend, our team showed our fight in coming back being 2-0 down in the Indiana State game, we just have to remember that feeling all the time," Hardy said. "I am so confident with the team this year. We are a year older and smarter."

The RedHawks put the finishing touches on their unbeaten weekend with a 3-0 sweep of Chicago State University (25-12, 25-19, 25-17). Hardy was named the tournament MVP, while Caylor and Farrell were nominated to the All-Tournament Team. Hardy finished the tournament with 68 digs and Caylor and Farrell finished with 30 kills and 29 kills respectively. While the 'Hawks are happy with their start, they still have areas that they can improve on.

"I am very pleased with our attacking and defensive game, but we need to continue to improve in these areas an certainly upgrade our blocking and serving effectiveness," Head Coach Carolyn Condit said. "We also need to bring our younger players along so we have reliable depth and adequate rest for key players."

The RedHawks will take their unblemished record into Pittsburgh, Pa. this weekend when they participate in the University of Pittsburgh Invitational Tournament. Miami will face-off against the host school Pittsburgh, the University of New Hampshire and four-time defending national champion Penn State University. Playing these schools presents a great opportunity for the Red and White.

"Penn State is known for being top in the country," Condit said. "We can gain much confidence and knowledge pitting our skills against theirs. They have their weaknesses and we need to find them. As for Pitt and New Hampshire-they won't be as big at the net but a strong attack game and relentless defense will be needed to add wins to our record."

The 'Hawks will open up the tournament 11 a.m. Friday against Penn State.