The Gophers women’s volleyball team won its first two matches of the 2012 season Saturday in Harrisonburg, Va, at the James Madison Tournament. Minnesota defeated James Madison 3-1 in and Appalachian State 3-0.

Against the host Duke Dogs, the Gophers won the first set 25-19. After losing the second set 25-22, the Gophers bounced back to dominate the last two sets, 25-16 and 25-14.

In Minnesota’s second match of the day, the Mountaineers proved no challenge, falling 25-10, 25-14, 25-19.

Senior right-side hitter Katherine Harms led the team with a combined 32 kills. Juniors Tori Dixon and Ashley Wittman followed with 25 and 19 kills, respectively. Setter Mia Tabberson had 47 assists, and backup setter Alexandra Palmer had 44 assists.

The Gophers will host the Diet Coke Classic on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 against Miami, Long Island and Albany.