The Washington Demons picked up a pair of victories at the Grinnell Volleyball Invitational on Saturday. The Demons initially fell in straight sets to West Liberty, 21-19 and 21-14, and lost to Urbandale, 21-8 and 21-15. But Washington bounced back with a straight-sets victory over East Marshall, 21-15 and 21-17.

The Demons also responded from losing their first set against Mount Pleasant 21-10 in knockout-round play, as Washington took the final two sets 21-6 and 15-12. The Demons would be defeated in their final match of the day, falling 21-17 and 21-14 to South Tama.

For the tournament, sophomore outside hitter Leighton Messinger led Washington with 31 kills while also posting 19 digs on defense. Junior Ella Greiner had a big tournament for the Demons with 18 kills, 24 digs and five serving aces.

Sophomore Taylor Miksch finished with 10 kills, 17 digs and three aces, while senior setter Remy Messinger handed out 31 assists to go with three kills and eight digs and junior setter Lauren Hinrichsen dished out 29 assists to pair with 12 digs and three aces. Washington’s early-season record sets at 2-4 ahead of starting conference play by hosting Fort Madison this evening.