CLEVELAND, Ohio - It was a difficult start to the CSU invitational for American University volleyball team on Friday afternoon, as the Eagles fell to ETSU in straight sets. It was AU's first loss of the season, and they'll have a chance to amend it later today when they face the tournament host Cleveland State at 6 p.m.

Notable

• Reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year Zedo Yilmaz logged her first minutes of the season, having missed the first four matches due to injury. She registered seven kills, six assists, and three digs. 
• Sophie Dufour led the attacking effort for AU, posting 14 kills. The sophomore outside hitter has reached double-digits in kills in all but one match so far this season. 
• The Buccaneers had an efficient day, hitting for just six errors to 15 for American. 
• ETSU was also stronger up front, blocking six attacks to zero for AU. 
• The Eagles were not as sharp as they have been receiving, committing eight reception errors. They averaged just 1.4 per set coming into the match. 
• Makayla Bays troubled AU, going for 19 kills with just one error to pace ETSU. 

How it Happened

• The first set was a forgettable one for the Eagles, falling 25-15. AU's only lead was at 2-1, with the Buccaneers separating themselves the rest of the way. 
• AU had more life in the second set, but another early deficit proved too much to overcome.
• The Eagles finished the frame on a 9-6 run to close in on a 10-point deficit,  but they couldn't keep ETSU off the board and lost 25-19.
• Elise Sterling, Carly Sciborski, and Dufour had three kills each in the second set. 
• AU looked to be back on winning terms at the start up the third set, but a 7-2 lead was quickly cut in to by the Buccaneers. They made an 8-4 run to tie the score 10-10, and the match was tight from that point on. 
• Down 24-21, the Eagles benefitted from an ETSU service error and got a huge service ace from Deniz Dakak to bring themselves within one. Chloe Smith answered for the Buccaneers with her first kill of the day, ending the set 25-23. 

Up Next

• The Eagles will play again later tonight at 6:00 p.m. against Cleveland State. The match can be viewed here. 

Keep up With Us

• For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_Volleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).