OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Frostburg State volleyball team suffered a loss to Stevenson University in its season opener, Thursday evening. The Bobcats dropped all three sets in a 3-0 defeat to the Mustangs.

The Bobcats (0-1) were led by junior Naya Cheatem's 13 kills, while classmate Madelyn Torres tallied 23 assists and fellow junior Lindsey Scepura added 17 digs. Freshman Cori Smothers also added 10 digs for FSU in her first collegiate match.

FSU kept the first match close, exchanging points back-and-forth, staying within two, 12-10, before Stevenson (1-0) went on a six-point run to make it 16-10. Cheatem and junior Karli Grimes posted two back-to-back points to bring the Bobcats within four. However, SU used three-straight kills to take a seven point lead and remained in control the rest of the set. FSU added five more points to round out the set, however ultimately fell, 25-17.

The Bobcats led early in the second set, going up 5-2, before Stevenson scored six unanswered points to take the lead. A kill from Cheatem and an attack error by the Mustangs brought FSU within two, 21-19 late in the second set, but SU scored the final two points to win the set, 25-21.

The third set saw nine lead changes, and the Bobcats led most of the set, going up by as much as four, 21-17. A kill from freshman Ashante Corey-Bey gave FSU its final point of the match before Stevenson used a five-point rally to surpass the Bobcats and seal the 25-22 victory.

FSU will travel to Danville, Va. to play in the Averett Tournament Sept. 3-4. They open tournament play against William Peace Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 am.