SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Elizabeth Ugbaja turned in a nine-kill effort in the opener and Tylar Roberson added eight in the nightcap, but the Texas Woman's University volleyball team (0-2) dropped both contests on day one of the Drury Invitational, falling 3-0 to Henderson State and 3-1 to host Drury. 

"This was a tough first day," said head coach Jeff Huebner. We learned a lot from the opportunity and recognize where we can improve in multiple areas. We had our chances to win sets two and four in the match with Drury and as we continue to improve, we will be able to win that match." 

Henderson State won a closely contested opening match by set scores of 25-23, 25-16, and 25-23. 

HSU outhit TWU .241 to .150 for the match, holding a 7-2 edge in blocks. The Pioneers held a 5-2 advantage in service aces. 

Ugbaja led TWU with eight kills and hit a team-best .389, while Kaia Saylor had three aces, and Taylor Skrzycki added 16 assists and nine digs to pace the Pioneers. 

In the nightcap, TWU won the opening set 25-19 before Drury rallied to take a 31-30 win in the second set, and closed out the match with 25-19 and 25-22 wins. 

Roberson led TWU in kills with nine and also led with two aces, while Monica Wood chipped in seven blocks and Sydney Stroh had a team-best 12 digs. Skrzycki once again led the way in assists with 11. TWU held an 8-4 advantage in service aces in the contest. 

The Pioneers conclude play at the Drury Invitational on Saturday with matches at 1 and 5 p.m. against LeMoyne-Owen and Missouri Southern.