ATHENS, Tenn.— The Montreat College volleyball team fell to Tennessee Wesleyan University in straight sets, 25-5, 25-23 and 25-19, at James L. Robb Gymnasium on Saturday. Following the result, the Cavaliers now hold an overall and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) record of 0-7, while the Bulldogs now boast a 13-6 (5-2 AAC) mark.
 
The visitors opened the first frame with an early point off an attack error by TWU, but the hosts quickly gained momentum in response. Tennessee Wesleyan capitalized on multiple errors and effective kills as part of a 10-0 run, building a significant lead. Montreat found brief answers with kills from Josie Leatherman, yet the Cavs ultimately couldn't overcome the Bulldogs' offensive pressure and consistent blocking. The hosts decisively closed out the initial frame with a 25-5 score.
 
Montreat began the second set with a strong defensive stance, forcing Tennessee Wesleyan into multiple early errors. Cizzie Griffin and Maggie Stewart led the charge behind the service line as Montreat surged to a 6-1 advantage, prompting an early timeout from the home side. Leatherman's effective attacks, supported by Griffin and Allie Anderson, extended the lead to 12-3 before TWU managed to halt the run.
 
As the set progressed, Montreat maintained pressure, aided by Sarah Alderman's timely kills and Elizabeth Harrington's defensive plays, shifting the score to 17-13. Despite a late push by the Bulldogs that included a series of successful kills, the Cavaliers still clung to a narrow 22-21 lead; however, Tennessee Wesleyan capitalized on its late momentum shifts, ultimately overtaking the visitors to close out the set, 25-23.
 
Montreat began the third frame with powerful offensive plays, taking the initial point with a kill by Harrington that Griffin assisted. After falling behind briefly, the Cavs reclaimed the lead at 6-4 with a series of kills by Leatherman, again facilitated by Griffin, showcasing efficient teamwork.
 
Midway through the set, the Cavaliers extended their lead to 12-6, capitalizing on Tennessee Wesleyan's attack errors via defensive efforts spearheaded by Madysan Mauney and Ruthann Stout; however, TWU responded, eliminating the gap at 13-13, prompting a timeout from the Cavs.
 
Despite a valiant effort and keeping the score tied at various points, Montreat couldn't maintain their edge as TWU pulled away late in the set. The frame concluded 25-19 in favor of Tennessee Wesleyan, despite the away side's strong offensive showing early on.

"We didn't get the result, but we showed a lot of who we can be today," said head coach Cristina Viera. "We competed, we grew and now it's about taking that next step to close it out."
 
The Bulldogs concluded the match with several advantages, including hitting percent (.259 to .026), kills (46-23), assists (44-22), digs (63-41) and service aces (3-0). TWU also wrapped up the action with one more block (5-4).
 
Leatherman led the offensive charge for Montreat with a career-high 12 kills on 40 swings, contributing 12.5 points overall. Anderson anchored the defense, recording 14 digs across three sets. Griffin facilitated the team's offense with 12 assists, while Taylor Shaw added six more helpers to the team's total. Harrington contributed six kills and one block assist in the match.
 
Looking ahead, Montreat will host Columbia International University at ACA Gymnasium in Swannanoa, N.C. for its next action. The match is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m.