BRISTOL, Tenn. - - The Cavaliers opened up their conference schedule with their first win of the season Friday as they downed Notre Dame College 5-2 at the Bristol Racquet and Fitness Club.

In doubles play, freshmen Liza Akimenko and Katya Akimenko won at the No. 1 position 6-2, while junior Aya Melham and freshman Grace Hall fell at the No. 2 position 7-5. Notre Dame did not field players for the No. 3 doubles position, giving senior Montana Hill and freshman Lillian Morris the win by default.

The Cavaliers (1-6, 1-0 MEC) were also awarded the No. 5 and No. 6 singles positions by default to take a quick 3-0 lead over Notre Dame (1-2, 0-1 MEC). Hill lost at the No. 4 singles position in three sets, falling in the tiebreaker set 10-8 to give Notre Dame junior Camryn Kidd the win. Katya Akimenko lost at the No. 2 position 7-6, 6-0, but a win by Melham at the No. 3 position and a 6-0, 6-1 win by Liza Akimenko at the No. 1 position sealed the victory for the Cavaliers. 

UVa-Wise will return to action on Sunday when they travel to Lincoln Memorial University for a non-conference match at 2 p.m.