NEED TO KNOW:
Match 1 Score: Belhaven 3, Piedmont 1
Match 2 Score: Maryville 3, Piedmont 0
Record: Piedmont, 1-11 (0-2 CCS)

MARVYILLE, Tenn. - Piedmont volleyball opened its CCS conference slate with tri-match action against Belhaven and Maryville in Maryville, Tennessee Saturday.

The Lions fought valiantly in the first match, falling in four sets to the Blazers before falling in straight sets in the finale at the host Scots.

Match 1: Belhaven 3, Piedmont 1

After falling to the Blazers in the opening set, the Lions bounced back with a complete team performance in the second set, racing out to a 16-6 lead and never looking back to even the match at 1-1.

Kya Perkinson's kill put the Lions at set point at 24-17 and a Belhaven attack error closed the deal.

Unfortunately, the Blazers were up to the task in the third and fourth sets. The Lions did not go away in the fourth after Belhaven jumped out to a big early lead, clawing all the way back to 24-22 down. However, Belhaven closed it out and took the momentum into a fast start in the fourth set to help clinch the match.

Katie Hubbard led the Lions with eight kills while also supplying eight digs. Sara Bjerke was second on the team with seven kills while adding five block assists to lead the team. Two-time CCS Defensive Player of the Week Zoe Coelho once again eclipsed 20 digs, recording 23 in the loss.

Match 2: Maryville 3, Piedmont 0

Reeling from the hard-fought battle against Belhaven in the prior match, the Scots took advantage by winning all three sets over the Lions.

Maryville was able to separate early in the first set and midway through the second and thirds to seal the victory.

Hubbard tallied seven kills to lead the team, bringing her total to 15 for the day.

Coelho once again paced the team in digs, adding 14 to give her 37 for the day.

Up next, the Lions will open their home schedule this week, hosting CCS foe Wesleyan this Wednesday, October 1 at 6 p.m. inside Cave Arena.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.