Pikeville, Kentucky -  First year Head Coach Kristen Salyer's club gave her the first win of her collegiate coaching career on Thursday as the Cavaliers posted a three set victory over host University of Pikeville in the 2012 Mid-South Conference opener for both schools.

The Cavs cruised to 25-15 and 25-16 set victories early before battling off the pesky Bears 31-29 in the final set to give Salyer her inaugural win.  Sophomore Brittni Altmann led the charge for UVa-Wise as she handed out 35 assists while the freshman pair of Maya Hamlett and India Dillard combined for 25 kills.  The host Bears were led by senior Brittany Hodge who recorded 10 kills and Stephanie Dounseroux who finished with 17 assists.

With the win, UVa-Wise improves to 1-5 on the season and 1-0 in Mid-South action.  The loss drops UPike to 2-3 and 0-1 in league play.  Coach Salyer's Cavs will return to action on Tuesday when the team travels to Bluefield College for its second Mid-South match of the season.