Box Score The Lancaster Bible men's volleyball team lost its 2013 home opener to Cairn on Wednesday night, 3-0. The Highlanders, who controlled the match from start to finish, won 25-20, 25-16, 25-22. Five Cairn players had five or more kills, while Jon Wilson controlled the floor with 38 assists.

The Chargers (0-3) stayed in each set of the match, but could not overcome the power of the Highlanders who simply did what they wanted on most points.

"We need to work on our blocking," Chargers' Head Coach Evelyn Long said. "It was open or set poorly a few times and we didn't see the hitter early enough."

Senior Mitch Demko led the Chargers with seven kills, while Joey Brennen added five kills. Alex Bahn had 19 assists and six digs and Keith Mitzel had four kills and two digs.

"I thought Keith played pretty well," Long said. "He was zoned in and moved well on defense. I also thought libero Andy Nguyen played well. With our blocking not where we want it to be, he had some great digs and had a lot of work."

Long and the team were disappointed with the result because one of their team goals for the season was to not be swept in any match. And while Long admits that was a lofty goal, she said she and the team had bought into it. 

Long said that for the Chargers to start a new streak of not being swept, they will have to become more mentally tough.

"We fight hard every point, but I think we aren't there sometimes," Long said. "It's great to hustle, but if there is no plan of action and we check out, then what are we doing?"

Though the Chargers are down, they realize the season has just begun and there is a lot of volleyball to be played.

"This is a stepping stone in the process," Long said. "We want to peak at the right time, later in the season and in conference matches, so a night like this lets us know where we are and how hard we need to work to get where we want to go."

LBC is back in action on Friday when they host Gallaudet at 7 p.m. Though Gallaudet is a conference member, Friday night's match will not count in the conference standings. Each team in the NEAC only plays one another once and the conference matchup between the Bison and the Chargers is set for February 5 at Gallaudet.