WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- Montana Tech's volleyball team began its eastern swing Friday with a 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 loss at Cumberlands in the opening match of the Patriots' tournament. 

The 17th-ranked Orediggers got a match-best 18 digs out of senior libero Emmy Green and a season-high nine kills from graduate student middle Abby Clark in the losing effort. 

Things started well for Montana Tech (2-2) as the Diggers finished the opening set on a 4-1 run to gain the early advantage. 

Cumberlands (5-0) got out to an early advantage in the second set and cruised to the victory, setting the tone for the rest of the match. 

Setters Rhys Layton and Ellie Reinertson totaled 19 and 18 assists apiece, and Madison Biery and Payton Treadwell each notched four blocks. 

Montana Tech will continue its roadtrip Saturday against Carolina University at 8 a.m. MDT and Union Commonwealth at 1 p.m.

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