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Junior Courtney Johnk had seven kills and seven digs and earned All-Tournament honors but it wasn't enough to lift the High Point University volleyball team past James Madison in the finale of HPU Classic Saturday at the Millis Center. The Dukes topped HPU 3-0 (19-25, 15-25, 23-25) in the tournament's final game.

“We had a rough morning,” said head coach Jason Oliver. “But we came out against James Madison and showed all the characteristics of a High Point volleyball team. We were focused, dedicated and played with heart. That being said James Madison is a very good team and they deserved the win. We have a lot of work to do to be ready for Elon on Tuesday.”

James Madison's Natalie Abel had 13 kills and 12 digs and was named the HPU Classic Most Valuable Player. Katie Daorai came up with 14 digs and was also named to the All-Tournament Team for JMU. Caroline Brown earned All-Tournament accolades for Davidson and Heidi Splinter represented Wright State on the team.

HPU led 6-4 early in the first set but four straight Panther attack errors gave James Madison a lead they would not relinquish. The Dukes outhit High Point .273 to .091 in the set and Abel had four kills on .667 hitting. JMU won the set 25-19.

The Dukes won set two 25-15 despite hitting just .111. HPU hit .049 in the frame and struggled with JMU's serve giving up five Duke aces.

The Panthers kept the third set tight until the end, eventually falling 23-25. Johnk and Jamie McDonald combined to block Abel and cut JMU's lead to one point at 23-24 but the Dukes were able to score the next point and win the match.

Michelle Chakirelis finished the night with six kills and three blocks and McDonald had five kills and three blocks for HPU. Breanna Holliday came up with 17 digs.

High Point (1-8) hosts Elon Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Millis Center.