HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Mount Union's men's volleyball team lost their season opening match against nationally ranked No. 6 Messiah (Pa.) in three sets on Friday night.

The Purple Raiders (0-1) lost the first set 22-25, the second set 21-25 and the final set 20-25.

Mount Union's offense was led by junior Cameron Ternent (Canal Fulton / Massillon Jackson) who had eight kills and senior Sam Matonis (Macedonia / Walsh Jesuit) added six kills. Senior Jeremy Leyden (Cuyahoga Falls / Archbishop Hoban) led the Raiders with six assists and senior Steven Grenier (Hawthorn Woods, Ill. / Lake Zurich) led Mount Union in digs picking up eight.

The Raiders got out to an early 6-2 lead in the first set, before the Falcons (1-1) would rally and take five of the next seven points. Messiah would go on to end the first set on an 8-4 run to take set one 22-25.

The Falcons jumped out to a 9-5 lead in set two. The Raiders were able to cut the lead down to two, trailing 16-18 before dropping set two 21-25.

Messiah would jump out to another quick 7-3 lead in set three. Mount Union was able to cut the Falcon lead down to two multiple times in the set but would drop the third and final set 20-25.

The Raiders are back in action tomorrow for day two of the Juniata Tournament in Huntingdon, Pa. as they will take on Stevenson (Md.) at 10 a.m., followed by No. 12 Juniata (Pa.) at 2 p.m.