KINGSTON, Ont. -- The McGill Martlets started off the New Year in high gear as they swept both Queen's and Royal Military College by identical 3-0 scores to open the RMC Invitational women's volleyball tournament on Thursday.

Set scores against the Gaels were 25-17, 25-13 and 25-21, followed up by 25-13, 25-7 and 25-15 over RMC.

"We're playing more relaxed (than in the first semester) and we're playing a faster transition game," said McGill head coach Rachele Beliveau. "We played well in our scrimmages in preparation for this tournament and today was really good."

Claire Vercheval, a physical education freshman from Ste. Julie, Que., scored 15 points in the matinee against Queen's, a team which owns a 3-6 record and sits fifth of seven teams in the OUA East. The six-foot power hitter tallied 11 kills on 26 attempts, served three aces and had one stuff block. She also posted 13 digs and recorded an impressive 2.80 passing ratio (out of three).

Junior Myriam Robitaille of Terrebonne, Que., contributed nine kills, four aces and two assisted blocks for 14 points, to go along with one dig.

The second game was against a weaker RMC team, which sits in the basement of the OUA East with an 0-9 record. Beliveau opted to start a different line-up, giving less experienced non-starters a chance to shine.

Freshman Lea Mortier d'Aumont of Carignan, Que., recorded 11 kills and three aces, as well as seven digs and a 2.38 passing ratio, in what wass her first game action since the season opener on Oct. 21, 2016.

Fellow rookie Elisabeth Perrault of Laval, Que., scored 15 points on the strength of 11 kills, a pair of aces and two stuff blocks. She added five digs. Mila Krunic, a sophomore from Oakville, Ont., served up a career-high eight aces.

"Tomorrow will be a better test," noted Beliveau, whose squad will face off against two of the OUA's top teams on Friday (Jan. 7). McGill returns to the court at 10 a.m. against Ryerson (6-3), followed by a 2:30 p.m. meeting with No.8-ranked McMaster (7-1).