Despite a trio of High Point volleyball players recording double-digit kills, the Panthers came up short in a 3-1 loss to Buffalo in their season opening match on Saturday night in the Millis Center.

HPU (0-1) dropped game one 30-28 before tying the match with a 30-25 win in the second game. Buffalo (2-2) closed out the match by winning games three (30-27) and four (30-19).

Junior outside hitter Jamie Kaufman led the Panthers with 14 kills while senior Sabrina Wahid and freshman Audie Gonzalez each finished with 10. Gonzalez added 17 digs to record a double-double in her collegiate debut.

"It is a disappointing loss but I saw a lot of positives," said HPU head coach Chad Esposito. "Unfortunately for us this was Buffalo's fourth match and we were playing our first of the year and at times it showed. Early on, I thought we played a little out of synch. I liked the intensity that the team played with throughout the match. We need to keep working and learning how to play together on the court. I was very proud of our effort and excited with our potential."

Buffalo's Nikki Morzenti finished with 18 kills to lead all attackers. The Bulls used a strong front-line defense that tallied 16 team blocks to earn the victory. UB middle blocker Kelsey Lueders topped the squad with nine blocks on the night. Buffalo also out-dug the Panthers from the back row 83-73 led by 23 digs by libero Lizaiha Garcia with 23.

Junior libero Whitney Kaltenegger posted 22 digs to laed a quartet of High Point players in double figures. Kaufman notched 14 on the night while sophomore setter Lauren Hatch recorded a season opening double-double with 25 assists and 10 digs.

High Point finished with 10 service aces in the match getting three each from Gonzalez and sophomore Kristina Taylor. Sophomore Lindsay Raus had four blocks to pace the HPU front row performance.

The Panthers have a quick turnaround as they welcome in-state rival Davidson on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Millis Center.