BUENA VISTA, Va. --- Roanoke fell to Southern Virginia in straight sets, 25-14, 25-21 and 26-24 in its season-opener this evening. The Maroons are 0-1 while the Knights are 1-0 on the young season. The Maroons are now 6-9 against their non-divisional in-state rival and suffered its first loss since 2007 to the Knights.

Kelsey Largen (Roanoke, VA, Cave Spring)led Roanoke with 10 kills along with five digs while Maggie Wagner (Roanoke, VA, Cave Spring)finished with seven kills and eight digs. Caitlyn Long (Roanoke, VA, Cave Spring)led the Maroons with 18 assists along with five digs. Long has now moved into a tie for eighth in career assists at Roanoke. Freshman Morgan Grant (Abingdon, VA, Abingdon)had two blocks in her first collegiate contest.

The women will be at home this weekend as the Maroons host the 2009 Maroon Classic at the Bast Center Sept. 4-5. They will begin Friday at 3:00 PM against Randolph College followed by Ferrum at 7:00 PM.