RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Meredith College volleyball team opened the USA South Conference schedule with a 3-1 (23-25, 26-28, 25-14, 23-25) loss to rival Averett Unviersity Wednesday evening. The match was the first to be played in the newly refurbished Weatherspoon Gymnasium.

The Angels opened the match a little tight but remained close to the Cougars throughout the four frames. AU unleashed nearly 10 more attacks to produce four more points in the first frame, but a 4-0 rally finished off MCVB.

In the second AU scooted ahead 11-7 and held onto the lead until the Angels finally closed the gap at 18 apiece. The teams evened the score on eight more occasions until the Cougars managed to put two points together for a win.

Meredith unleashed their front line, and Emily Skoglund notched three service aces as MCVB shut down Averett to force another frame. But 11 attack errors compared to just three from the visitors allowed Averett to regain control for the match win.

Caroline Corey led the Angels with 14 kills, and Hailey Long recorded a dozen. Cathy Delano led MCVB hitting .333 on seven kills in 15 attempts with three blocks. Lauren Phillips grabbed 18 digs, and Skoglund posted 11 on the night. Averey Bowman dished out 23 assists with Lauren Grodi offering up 17.

AU's Lauren Montren recorded the only double-double on the night with 13 kills, 14 digs, and Zamyiah Mangum posted 19 digs.

The Avenging Angels hit the road again this weekend for a USA South Play Day at Pfeiffer University Saturday. Greensboro College will complete the lineup that day.