WISE - - Cavalier volleyball fell to Urbana University on Friday afternoon, 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-11, 25-23). The Cavs (4-15, 1-5) won the first set but were unable to win in two close sets as the Blue Knights (9-11, 3-3) prevailed to earn a conference win.

Behind junior Ciara Kain's eight kills and .533 attack percentage, the Cavs started out strong in the first set. UVa-Wise took an early 10-7 lead before Urbana would attempt a comeback, cutting the Cavs lead 19-18. The Blue Knights managed to tie the game, 24-24, before a kill by Kain put the Cavs ahead once again. UVa-Wise would win in a close set, 26-24.

The Cavaliers and Blue Knights toggled the lead for much of the second set before Urbana took a 16-15 lead. The Blue Knights would sustain the lead as they earned a 25-21 victory over the Cavaliers. Urbana proved too strong for the Cavs in the third set behind a .472 attack percentage and 18 kills, as the Blue Knights outlasted the Cavaliers 25-11.

UVa-Wise fell behind early in the fourth set before tying the game, 16-16. The Cavs continued to stay within reach only down two points, 22-20, forcing a timeout by the Blue Knights. Urbana would keep the lead over the Cavaliers as the Blue Knights won the final set 25-23.

Kain led the Cavs in kills with 17 while freshman Brooke Abbot recorded eight kills and a .438 attack percentage. Freshman Makayla Ledford recorded the most assists for UVa-Wise with 19 as sophomore Morgan Milligan registered 18 assists and 12 digs for a double-double. Sophomore Briana Kerr added 13 digs for the Cavs in the match.

Urbana's Deandra Atwood tallied 34 assists in the match alongside Anna Davis who posted 27 assists. Cecily Clark recorded 18 kills for the Blue Knights while Kaitlin Trace and Katlyn Dunlapp both recorded 14 kills in Urbana's win.

The Cavaliers return to action tomorrow as they face Notre Dame College in the Cavs second conference matchup of the weekend. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside the Prior Center.

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