MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Belhaven volleyball team dropped its season opener on Tuesday night to Rhodes, falling 0-3.
 
The Blazers (0-1) were swept by the Lynx (1-0), 18-25, 23-25, 19-25.
 
In set one, the Blazers started off and running, getting out to a 5-1 lead thanks to blocks between Chae Levy and Molly Boyer and kills by Levy.  The Lynx got back into the set with two service aces by Caroline Perlis.  After a handling error by Allie Perkins, the Lynx went on a 20-13 run to clinch the first set. The Lynx out killed the Blazers 14-8.
 
Set two saw the Blazers trail for the entire set, but they fought for a comeback. Down 15-22, the Blazers went on a 7-1 run to lower the deficit to one, 22-23. However, the Lynx captured the win thanks to back-to-back kills.
 
The third set saw the Blazers overcome an early deficit to take a 13-12 lead. After claiming the only lead of the set, the Blazers were outscored 13-6 for the rest of the match.
 
"The girls played well tonight, but it was a typical first game of the season", said head coach Justin Dee. "We were not able to be aggressive on the offensive end which allowed them to do what they wanted to on their side."
 
Senior Levy led the offense with eight kills, while freshman Lauren Whiting contributed five kills. Senior Cassidy Fitzpatrick handled 19 digs. Sophomore Kelly Aholt attributed 14 assists. 
 
"Chae had an amazing match hitting .375. Lauren was amazing in her first collegiate match", said head coach Dee.
 
Up next for the Blazers is the Huntingdon Invitational, beginning on Friday in Montgomery, Alabama. The Blazers will play four matches over the two-day invitational. On Friday, BU will play Sewanee at 12:00 p.m. and Piedmont at 2:00 p.m. On Saturday, the Blazers will start early with host Huntingdon at 9:00 a.m. and will end the tournament with Talladega at 1:00 p.m.