The Truett-McConnell College Lady Bears volleyball team matched up against Columbia College's Fighting Koalas last night as they kicked off their first full season of competition. The Lady Bears gave up three straight sets to a worthy opponent.

Kevia Elkins, head coach of the Lady Bears, said she is very proud of her teams' effort. "Although we lost tonight I felt like our team fought hard and showed a lot of character. We certainly saw some things that we need to work on before we play Friday.  I expect us to get better every match. With the new faces and new rotation, repetition is key for us right now."

 The lady bears put forth much effort throughout the match but allowed nerves to rattle their spirit throughout the first set and fought hard through the second and third. During the third, the lady bears encountered confusion with their rotation and lost confidence, resulting in a 0-1 record to start the season. "We had some area problems," said junior Liz Norton, "but it was a learning game. The longer we played the more we were learning offense. It was a healthy game for us to see."

Despite a loss at the open of the season, the lady bears are optimistic and encouraged about their potential as a team and on the court throughout the season.

The lady bears face Toccoa Falls College, Friday at 7 P.M. in Toccoa GA.