GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- Molly Packer (Jr., DS/L) led The Evergreen State College with 19 digs, as the Geoducks opened the season with a 3-0 loss to University of Providence on Friday, Aug. 23. The Argos won 25-12, 25-23, 25-18, at the McLaughlin Center Gymnasium.

The match also was Evergreen's first competition at the University of Providence Tournament. Evergreen was set to take on Ottawa University (Ariz.) on Friday at 4 p.m. MDT/3 p.m. PDT. 

Providence advanced its record to 5-0 on the season. Evergreen moved to 0-1. 

Kiayah Brown (Sr., MB) and Ashley Walker (Jr., OPP) each supplied the Geoducks with six kills. Sophia Scroggins (So., OPP/MB) and Lucendy Perez (Sr., OH) both recorded five kills for Evergreen. Brown achieved a .600 hitting percentage no errors on 10 total attacks.

Jessica Mitchell (Jr., S) was credited with nine assists, while Maloree Calzadillas (Sr., S) earned eight assists and six digs. Marin Collins (So., MB) blocked four attacks with one block solo and three block assists.

Nina Janjic topped Providence with 14 kills. Ryann Eddins added 10 kills with no errors and a .714 hitting percentage. Martyna Fielder earned eight kills. Ava Saiers provided the Argos with 21 digs. Bella Thompson registered 39 assists. Cabry Taylor matched Collins of Evergreen with four total blocks.

The Argos held an 8-5 lead in the first set before four consecutive points increased their advantage to 12-5. Evergreen was unable to rally during the set, as Providence won 25-12.

In the second set, the Geoducks led 5-4 on a kill by Scroggins before Providence surged out to a 15-10 lead. Evergreen pulled within 17-15 a bit later and eventually reduced the Argos' lead to 22-21 on a combo block by Collins and Bright Brubaker (Fr., OPP). Providence scored the next two points, but Evergreen cut the margin to 24-23. A kill by Taylor won the set.

Providence held slim leads of 12-11 in the third set. A few points later, Evergreen was withing 15-13 following a block by Collins. The Argos tallied the next five points on their way to taking the set 25-18.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Aug. 24) at 1 p.m. MDT/12 p.m. PDT to open the Geoducks' schedule for the second day of the tournament. Evergreen will battle Montana State University Northern to conclude the event at 3 p.m. MDT/2 p.m. PDT.