JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Despite close scores in the second and third sets, the USC Upstate volleyball team (3-9, 0-1 A-Sun) opened Atlantic Sun Conference play at ETSU (7-8, 1-0 A-Sun), dropping a 3-0 decision by scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-23.

The Spartans were led by senior Morgan Thomas and freshman Kayla McAvoy, who each posted eight kills. Junior Emily Sanders dished out 24 assists, collected nine digs, registered two kills and recorded one serving ace.

Sophomore Morgan Page and junior Emily Bingham led the Upstate defensive charge. Page tallied a team-high 21 digs, while Bingham led the squad with five blocks. McAvoy also registered three blocks on the night. Bingham added seven digs and five kills to go along with one ace. Junior Mindy Quimby totaled six kills and four digs, while senior Kelsie Queen collected two kills and four digs.

The Buccaneers were led by Megan Devin, who nearly had a double-double with 13 kills and nine digs. Katie Muey also registered a team-high with nine digs, while Meredith Hardy had nine kills and four digs. Jamie Rutledge posted 35 assists, seven digs and three kills. Jamie Stancliff led ETSU in blocking, tallying five denials, while adding seven kills and five digs.

The Spartans post a 3-9 record against ETSU. In the teams' most recent meeting, Upstate fell in three sets to the Buccaneers Nov. 10, 2010 in Johnson City.

Upstate is back in action Sept. 27, hosting Gardner-Webb at the Hodge Center for a 7 p.m. match. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook and Twitter.