CLEVELAND, Ga.— Montreat College's volleyball team visited the Truett McConnell University Bears in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest Tuesday evening. The Cavaliers were defeated by a final score of 3-0, including set scores of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-13.
 
TMU (9-5, 2-0 AAC) jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead. Montreat stormed back, going on a 6-1 run. The Cavaliers found strength on a block from Josie Leatherman. She then slammed the ball for a kill to make the score 8-6 in favor of the visitors. Midway through the set, Montreat briefly took a 13-12 lead after a kill from Elizabeth Harrington that was assisted by Cizzie Griffin. The Cavaliers maintained a close contest with contributions from Leatherman and Genesis Hernandez, keeping the score tight and Montreat ahead, 18-16; however, a series of service errors from the Cavs and service aces from Truett McConnell allowed the Bears to regain control and finish off the set, 25-22.
 
Montreat began the second frame facing early pressure as the Bears established a swift 6-0 advantage, capitalizing on attack errors from the away side. Ella Rose Livingston corralled a kill on a pass from Allie Anderson to break up the momentum. That break didn't last long as TMU went on another 6-0 run in the same set. Down 12-1, Montreat called a timeout to regroup. From then on, the Cavs rallied thanks to a 15-6 run in the middle of the frame. Plays from Ruthann Stout, Leatherman and Harrington sparked the offensive success. The Cavaliers trailed by two late in the frame when Truett McConnell slammed the door on set two with a handful of kills and a pair of aces. TMU ultimately won the set, 25-20.
 
The Cavs kick-started the final frame with a strong defensive presence, as Harrington, Livingston and Leatherman all teamed up for a pair of blocks for the visitors' first points of the set. Despite this effort, Truett McConnell capitalized on more Montreat errors to build a 12-6 edge. Montreat found a brief rhythm as Hernandez delivered consecutive kills, narrowing the gap to 12-9. Anderson added a service ace during the quick surge as well; however, the momentum shifted as TMU executed another 6-0 run, taking the life out of the Cavalier offense. Despite valiant efforts, errors continued to hinder Montreat's progress as the Bears closed the set on a 5-0 run, securing the 25-13 victory.
 
Leading the way for the Montreat offense was Harrington with eight kills. She was followed closely by Leatherman with six. Livingston and Hernandez each had four on the day. Griffin had the most assists for the Cavaliers with 13. Taylor Shaw had seven dimes as well. Brittany Jack dug up the ball a team-high 13 times. Griffin had 10 digs, securing the double-double. Anderson contributed with nine digs and four assists. Both Anderson and Harrington recorded an ace for Montreat. Defensively, Harrington recorded three blocks. Additionally, Hernandez and Leatherman registered two rejections.
 
Collectively, Montreat had fewer kills (32-24), assists (30-24) and digs (62-60) compared to the Bears. Meanwhile, the Cavs had more blocks (6-1). TMU concluded with a hitting percentage of .147 compared to the Cavaliers' .055 clip. Truett McConnell excelled from the serve, tallying 16 aces to Montreat's two.

"It was a tough game, but we learned a lot from it," said head coach Cristina Viera. "We showed that we have what it takes, with great moments where we fought hard and showed the competitive spirit of this program. I'm excited to continue watching the growth of this young team and to see all the potential they have yet to unlock."
 
The next contest for the Cavs takes them to Waleska, Ga., where they will face the Reinhardt University Eagles. The match is set for Friday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m.