ELMIRA, NY- The Highlanders opened their season on the road, traveling north to take on Wells College, D'Youville College, and Keuka College at the Elmira College Invitational.  
 
Despite three incredibly close games, the Highlanders dropped their first match to a tough Wells College team, 1-3.  With a relatively green team comprised of only two upperclassmen, the Highlanders sought to find their groove as the young players found their footing in the season's opening match. After dropping two competitive sets, 20-25, the Highlanders achieved their first set victory of the season in the third- coasting to a 25-19 victory. Despite a bounce back win, Cairn dropped the fourth set, 25-14. Senior Captains Micah Godshall and Ryan Ludvik led the Highlanders as Godshall tallied 10 kills and 10 digs, and Ludvik notched 17 assists and 14 digs.
 
The Highlanders found their way in Saturday morning's first match against D'Youville College, outlasting the Spartans in a four set thriller, 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, and 25-21. Cairn received major contributions across the board as Godshall smashed 18 kills and 10 service aces, Ludvik dished out 33 assists, Ben Norton lead in digs with 14, and newcomer Aaron Delbury notched 8 kills of his own to go with 2 blocks and 7 digs.
 
After two hard-fought matches to open the season, the pressure was ratcheted up immensely in the Elmira Invitation's final match of the day, as the Highlanders met the Keuka College Wolves. An opening first set that finished at 26-24 set the tone for the rest of the match as Cairn proved their perseverance over the four sets. After dropping the next two sets in disheartening fashion, the Highlanders showed their grit, fighting off multiple match points and winning a fourth set stunner 29-27. Riding high after the huge fourth set victory, the Highlanders rocked their way to a 15-13 fifth set victory. Godshall was everywhere once again with 22 kills and 16 digs, Ludvik handed out an incredible 41 assists to go along with 15 digs of his own, and freshman Scott Bassill chipped in with 10 kills and 10 digs as well.
 
The Highlanders will play at Misericordia University Wednesday night at 7:00 PM, before opening their home schedule February 10^th.