GAINESVILLE, Ga.— The Montreat volleyball team was handed its first loss of the season as the Cavaliers opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on the road against the Brenau University Golden Tigers Thursday night. After 25-18, 25-23 and 25-17 scorelines across three sets, Montreat dropped to 1-1 (0-1 AAC) on the young season.

The Golden Tigers' offense tilted the competition in the home side's favor from the start of the first set as Brenau collected 11 kills in its initial 15 points to jump out to a 15-8 advantage. Consecutive kills from Kamryn Wolf, Destini Phifer and Katie Dickey helped bring the Cavaliers within three (16-13) midway through the frame; however, 16 kills and a .375 hitting percentage aided BU to a 25-18 victory to go up 1-0.

Montreat capitalized on opportunities early in set number two, leading 6-4 following kills from three different players. Despite the good start, four service errors and eight attack errors gifted Brenau 12 of their opening 18 points as the Golden Tigers built an 18-13 edge. Facing seven consecutive set points down 24-17, the Cavaliers rallied thanks to a 6-0 run fueled by a trio of kills from Wolf and a pair of blocks involving Jada Thomas. Although the Cavs outhit Brenau and registered five more kills than their counterparts (15-10), the miscues proved too large to overcome as BU grabbed the ensuing point to notch a 25-23 triumph and a 2-0 lead in the match.

Brenau (2-6, 1-0 AAC) captured the initial five points of the third frame and took eight of the first 10 thanks to a potent attack. The Golden Tigers, who recorded kills on 12 of their first 16 swings, utilized the offense to go up by double digits (18-8). Though Montreat crept as close as six (23-17) late in the set, BU's best performance (17 kills; .536 hitting percentage) sealed a 25-17 set win and a 3-0 sweep in the competition.

Overall, the Cavaliers were outhit .326 to .121, while the visitors led 5-3 in total blocks. Wolf finished with a double-double, tallying 12 kills and 10 digs, both team bests. Lexi Wible also contributed with 10 digs, and Dickey added nine kills. Reese Davis (16 assists) and Katie Alexander (12 assists) split the setting duties for the Cavs on the night.

"This game was a good learning opportunity to start conference," head coach Brittany Carpenter mentioned. "At the end of the day, we have to communicate more efficiently as a team. We are ready to get back in the gym tomorrow and prepare to come out strong for our game on Saturday."

The Cavaliers continue their road trip to start the 2023 season when they travel to Warren Wilson College on Saturday. First serve in Swannanoa, N.C. is scheduled for 12 p.m.