LAURINBURG, N.C.— In a match of momentum swings, massive blocks and clutch ace serves, the Montreat College volleyball team fell just short in a wild five-set match at St. Andrews University.
 
The Knights (3-11, 3-0 AAC) came out charging to start the first set, taking nine of the first 12 points from the Cavaliers. Montreat (4-5, 0-3 AAC) battled its way back into the set; however, with a 5-point run to knot things up at 10. Both teams exchanged mini runs as the set neared it close, but a few costly service errors and a well-timed St. Andrews run saw the Knights seize the first frame, 25-21.
 
Montreat knew the second set would be important for the match's momentum, and it played as such. After trading points early in the set, the Cavs rattled off a run to grab a 15-10 advantage. Despite trailing by five points, St. Andrews once again found some home-cooking. Rattling off four consecutive points, the Knights flipped the set back in their favor up 22-20. The Montreat competitive spirit never dwindled, and kills from Haley Horton and Kamryn Wolf, plus a massive block by Taylor Coe, helped set up Reese Davis for the winning attack of the set, 25-23.
 
In a similar fashion to the first set, St. Andrews jumped out to an early advantage, 7-3. The situation would change once Davis stepped up to the service line, as the Cavs made a run and quickly tied the set at eight points apiece. Riding that momentum, Montreat took ahold of the set, at least momentarily, with a 14-11 lead. The Knights wouldn't fade away, but a clutch Katie James service ace and a block assist featuring Coe and Horton provided the exclamation point the Cavs needed to win the third set, 25-20.
 
Backed into a corner, the Knights proved to be the aggressor early in the fourth set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. But, like many of the sets before, the Cavs would work their way back into the frame shortly thereafter. The fourth set could not have been much closer the rest of the way. Montreat would have four match points late in the set, but the Knights willed themselves onward. Then, on their third set-point of the frame, the Knights perseverance forced a winner-take-all fifth set after a 31-29 triumph.
 
While the attack was potent at times throughout the match, it was the net defense and service line that proved to be the difference for St. Andrews in the final set. The Knights used three-straight blocks to seize a 9-5 lead midway through the set, and after a Cavalier-run gave Montreat a 10-9 lead, the Knights' net defense flipped the match back in SAU's favor. Two consecutive blocks by Andrea Rose put the Knights back up, and two service aces via Kelaiah Melendez finished off the Cavaliers, 15-11.
 
Destini Phifer and Horton each tied for the match high with 15 kills, while Cambria Bowen added 27 digs defensively. In the tightly-contested competition, the Cavaliers outhit the Knights by 11 kills (66 to 55) and in hitting percentage (0.202 to 0.176), but crucial points tilted the contest in St. Andrews' favor.

"Although it wasn't the result we wanted, I definitely saw some progress from the team since our earlier match this week," said head coach Haley Paonessa. "We will look to turn things around against Bryan on Tuesday."
 
The Montreat volleyball program will wrap up its stretch of three consecutive road matches on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Bryan College. First serve is slated for 6:30 p.m.