ATHENS, Tenn. – The University of Pikeville volleyball team opened conference play with a big road win on Friday night, knocking off Tennessee Wesleyan University 3-1.
 
The Bears opened with wins by scores of 25-20 and 25-17. The Bulldogs rallied to take the third set 25-19 before UPike finished it off 25-21.
 
UPike now stands 4-8 overall and 1-0 in the AAC, while Tennessee Wesleyan is 8-5, 0-1.
 
Senior Gracey Lovgren led the Bears on offense with 17 kills, while sophomore Olivia Chapman joined her in double figures with 12. Junior Chloie Brinton, who is the current AAC Setter of the Week, recorded 37 assists.
 
Junior Lanie Hawley and sophomore Lyla Reed had two service aces apiece.
 
UPike had a balanced showing defensively, with four players in double figures in digs. Brinton, who was the league's defender of the week two weeks ago, and senior Alondra Ayende recorded 14 each, while Reed and sophomore Ashtyn Filkins had 12 each.
 
The Bears picked up a win in part because they had no ball-handling errors.
 
UPike had five solo blocks, each coming from a different defender, while two players were credited with block assists. Chapman and senior Theresa Romero had one each.
 
UPike will be back in action on Saturday morning when it travels to Dayton, Tenn., to play Bryan College. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m.