The Suzanne Henson era and the 2016 season got off to a good start as LaGrange swept visiting Judson 3-0 on Thursday in a packed Richter Gym.

The Panthers took the match by scores of 25-16, 25-14, 25-9. It was the opening match for both teams.

"I couldn't be prouder of the team tonight and what a great crowd we had," said Henson, who joined the Panthers after five years at Division III member Texas-Tyler. "They stayed on point and stayed on task and really did a good job. It's fun to win your first one at home."

Freshman Samantha James led the Panthers with nine kills, while Emily Arnold had eight, and Maggie Ivester seven. James added two solo blocks and had four block assists. Lauren Sanders and Libby Compton combined for 35 assists, with Sanders leading the way with 21.  

The Panthers play in the Tuskegee Invitational in Tuskegee, Ala. on Friday and Saturday.