The reigning state champion Mathews High School volleyball team began its 2018 season on a strong note, with a straight set victory over the visiting Northumberland Indians on Tuesday night.

This year’s team has 17 players and is led by longtime head coach Pat Moughon. Senior members include Nicole Brown, Sarah Brown, Victoria Bing, Caroline Crittenden, Mia Gillenwater, Madisyn Jackson and Shayla Wheeler.

Katelyn Blake, Kristen Frank, Lydia Hudgins, Maddie Maggioncalda, Hannah Robins and Hannah Smith are the squad’s junior members. Aleya McCurry is the lone sophomore and Jordan Hunley, Joice Small and Emily West are the team’s three freshmen.

In Tuesday’s regular season opener, Mathews defeated the Indians by scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-19.

Mathews was a little shaky and inconsistent in some areas but played well overall for its first match of the season. Standouts for the Devils included Bing with four aces, eight kills and six digs; Crittenden with ...