SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Allegheny opened the 2021 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) slate with a 3-0 loss at the hands of perennial conference front-runner Wittenberg.

The loss snaps the Gators' nine-match winning streak, but the Gators are still sitting a comfortable 10-3 overall to begin play this year.

Cheyenne Wilson (Chico, Calif./Pleasant Valley) led the attack with seven kills, while Kendall Crum (Chattanooga, Tenn./Girls Preparatory) was just behind with six kills. Olivia D'Andrea (Pittsburgh, Pa./Serra Catholic) (10) and Meagan Robare (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) (eight) combined for 18 assists and Kate Christie (Schenectady, N.Y./Niskayuna) recorded two of the Gators' three aces.

Defensively, Taylor Besch (Chicago, Ill./Resurrection) reached double figures with 12 digs and four teammates combined for two blocks apiece.

The Gators will return to action tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 26, when they continue their road trip by heading to Greencastle, Indiana, and DePauw for a 1 p.m. match.