ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.- The Randolph volleyball team began its 2021 fall season on Wednesday night at North Carolina Wesleyan. The WildCats played a tough match against the Battling Bishops but fell in the end 3-0.

The WildCats got off to a quick start in the first as they led 4-0 but NC Wesleyan answered with four points of their own to knot the score at 4-4. Trailing 7-6, the WildCats rattled off four points to lead 10-7. Randolph held on to a slim lead for a bit until a small run by the Battling Bishops put the home team ahead 19-17. The WildCats tied the score at 20-20 but NC Wesleyan closed out the set with a 5-2 run to go up 1-0 in the match.

NC Wesleyan got out ahead 7-1 in the second set. The WildCats recovered to close to within a point at 8-7. A 6-0 run for the Battling Bishops gave them a 14-7 advantage. Randolph came as close as 16-11 but it was all NC Wesleyan as a 9-2 run closed out the set and gave the Battling Bishops a 2-0 lead.

In the third set, the WildCats got a bit of a rhythm going as they took an early 8-5 lead. Randolph still had a five point lead of 16-11 but the Battling Bishops would tie. The 'Cats were able to stay ahead of NC Wesleyan late in the match as they held a 22-21 lead. The Battling Bishops were able to pick up four points to win the set and take the match.

Tomi-Lauren McGinnis (Ringgold, Va./Dan River) paced the offense with nine kills and added four digs. Logan Warren (Chesterfield, Va./Steward School) put down seven kills and four digs. Melody Washington (Fredericksburg, Va./Chancellor) had 15 assists. Kenleigh Gunter (Troutville, Va./Lord Botetourt) tallied 12 digs to lead the team.

Randolph hosts a tri-match this coming Saturday at Giles Gymnasium. The WildCats will first play Mary Baldwin at 12:00 p.m. followed by Mid-Atlantic Christian at 4:00 p.m.