WISE – The Cavaliers fell to the Pioneers of Tusculum University Tuesday evening, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-8), inside the David J. Prior Convocation Center.

A 12-6 advantage for the Pioneers to start the first set caused the Cavaliers to take a timeout. UVa-Wise managed to cut the deficit to just four points, 14-10, but Tusculum extended their lead to 21-13 as the Cavs called another timeout. The Pioneers went on to win the last three points as they took the first set, 25-17.

It was a close second set that saw several lead changes before the teams tied the set at 7-7. After falling behind, the Pioneers were able to use a 6-0 run to go ahead by just two points. UVa-Wise tried to get back in the hunt, but the Cavs were unable to complete the comeback as the Pioneers picked up a 25-19 set two win.

The Cavaliers were unable to find their rhythm in the third set as Tusculum jumped ahead to an 8-1 lead. UVa-Wise called a timeout as the Cavs attempted to regroup, down 17-4 to the Pioneers. Tusculum continued to dominate with a 25-8 win to take the match in straight sets.

Sophomore Matelyn Gibson led the Cavs with six kills while redshirt senior Ciara Kain and sophomore Kelsey Green each notched four kills. Senior Morgan Milligan finished with a team-high nine assists with freshman Zoe Avery dishing out eight assists in the loss.

Gibson also led her team in digs with 14 while Milligan tallied 12 and senior Briana Kerr posted 11 digs in the match.

Head coach Kristen Salyer's team will get back on the road for a pair of matches this weekend at Lenoir-Rhyne Friday night and Mars Hill Saturday afternoon.