ST. DAVIDS, PA- The Highlanders opened up their 2019 season against the Eastern Eagles Wednesday night, fighting hard, but ultimately dropping the match in straight sets.
 
The Highlanders took the lead in the first set thanks to multiple kills from the dynamic duo of Ben Norton and Caleb Myers and a couple stellar sets from junior Jon Simpson.  Despite Cairn's early lead, the Eagles came storming back in front of their home crowd, winning the first set by a score of 25-18.  The second set followed a similar pattern with the Highlanders jumping out to an early lead but faltering late.  Sophomore Collin Benjamin carded two straight service aces to keep the Highlanders alive, but Eastern took the second set 25-17.  Needing three straight wins, the Highlanders battled in the third set, notching a 7-2 run in the middle of the set to draw within one point. However, the Eagles scored 5 straight to close out the third set and the match.
 
The Highlanders will host Penn State Behrend and St. Joseph's College – Brooklyn in a tri-match this weekend.