PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville volleyball team returned home Tuesday night but suffered a 3-1 loss to the Cougars of Mountain State University.

Mountain State won the match 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 25-19.

In an attempt to even the match after four games, Pikeville rallied to tie the game at 16 before Mountain State scored four straight points to pull away for the win.

Pikeville (3-7) got nine kills from senior Leah Harris in the loss. Freshman Kelsey Prevot had 14 assists, while sophomore Brooke Parrott followed with 11.

The Bears had only two service aces in the match, both coming from freshman Kelsey Jones.

On the defensive side of the net, Kayla Hatton had 29 digs and 24 receptions. Junior Shelbi White led the team with 29 receptions and added 17 digs. Jones had 21 receptions.

Pikeville finished with four solo blocks and four block assists. Freshman Ashley Morgan had two solo blocks and an assist.

The Bears return to the court on Thursday night when they visit new Mid-South Conference foe U.Va.-Wise at 6:30. The next home events are Saturday, Sept. 25, when they host Campbellsville University at noon and WVU Tech at 4 p.m.

Both are Mid-South Conference opponents.