NEED TO KNOW:
Match 1 Score: Truett McConnell 3, Piedmont 0
Match 2 Score: Tennessee Wesleyan 3, Piedmont 0
Match 3 Score: Brewton-Parker 3, Piedmont 0
Record: Piedmont, 0-3

CLEVELAND, Ga. - Piedmont volleyball opened its 2025 campaign with three matches at the Bear Bash in Cleveland, Georgia across Friday morning and afternoon.

Although the Lions were unable to come away with a win against a trio of tough NAIA opponents, numerous sets went down to the wire.

Match 1: Truett McConnell 3, Piedmont 0

The Lions opened the season bright and early against the host Bears. After being blitzed 25-10 in the opening set, Piedmont settled in and was competitive in the second and third sets but could not get one across the line, with TMU sweeping the match.

Sophomore Bailey Daughtery paced the team with five kills in the opener while freshman Lauren Caricato delivered an impressive five service aces to lead the team while tying for the team lead with 12 digs.

The third set saw the Lions hold an impressive 22-19 edge in the late stages before the Bears rallied to win the set 25-22 and close out the match.

Match 2: Tennessee Wesleyan 3, Piedmont 0

After over a four hour break, the Lions took to the court against Tennessee Wesleyan, with the Bulldogs taking the match in three sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-15). 

The Lions hung tough in the opening set before TWU pulled away late with a 5-0 run to take a 1-0 lead in the match. The second set saw Piedmont race out to a quick 10-7 advantage. However, the Bulldogs were undeterred, rolling off a 7-0 run to turn the set around. 

While the Bulldogs were able to leave no doubt in a dominant third set, Piedmont saw senior Zoe Coelho deliver a standout defensive performance, with a team-high 21 digs and a career high for the senior in a three-set match.

Match 3: Brewton-Parker 3, Piedmont 0

Playing its third match of the day and second in a short span, the Lions battled Brewton-Parker in the finale of the opening day marathon. 

Piedmont was competitive in all three sets, pushing the Barons to the brink in a three-set loss to end the day.

The Lions led at the midway point of the first two sets before a pair of furious Brewton-Parker rallies late turned the tides. Then, in the third set, Piedmont fell behind but delivered a late rally itself only to fall just short.

Senior Katie Hubbard had her best match of the day, pacing the team with 11 kills and a solid .208 hitting percentage. Sophomore Sara Bjerke was a force at the net, with a team-high four block assists while Coelho added 14 digs.

Up next, the Lions will be in action with at least one more match tomorrow in Cleveland, Georgia. 

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