CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – The University of Pikeville volleyball team opened the 2017 season with a split, falling to Mt. Vernon Nazarene 3-0 before beating host Ohio Christian by the same score on Wednesday afternoon.

UPIKE opened last season with a 6-1 record and will get a chance to chase that mark with four matches over Friday and Saturday in Dayton, Tenn. The Bears' home opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday against Rio Grande (Ohio) at UPIKE Gym.

Pikeville was dropped 25-14, 25-50, 25-20 in the opener against Mt. Vernon Nazarene despite Cassidy Tackett and Noelani Simpson leading the way with eight and seven kills, respectively. Savanna Zakman collected 13 digs and Cecelia Ray dished out 20 assists and Zakman and Cassie Jones had three blocks each in the loss.

Stats were not immediately available of the win against Ohio Christian and will be updated on this release on Thursday.

-UPIKE-