ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth fell in three sets to RIT (25-20, 25-10, 25-9) in the Golden Flyers' first match of the New York State Challenge at Nazareth. Junior Kaylee Kelly recorded seven of the Golden Flyers 15 kills over the course of the match.

Following the loss, Nazareth falls to 13-10 overall. RIT improves to 24-3 overall with the victory.

The Golden Flyers threatened the Tigers in the opening set after surrendering the opening five points. Nazareth rallied to tie the set at 17 points apiece after a kill from Kelly and an ace by freshman Ruth Jackson. The Tigers answered the Golden Flyers with the next three points to reclaim the lead and pull away for the victory. Nazareth amassed seven service aces in the set, including two apiece from senior Olivia Quick, two from freshman Ella Kules, and another pair from classmate Ruth Jackson. Classmate Zoe Tylipakis contributed another ace. The service aces helped the Golden Flyers overcome their initial deficit.

RIT dominated the Golden Flyers at the net to force Nazareth into a negative hitting percentage in each set. The Tigers finished with four solo blocks and 20 assisted blocks to frustrate Nazareth's attack.

In addition to the kills from Kelly, Quick and Jackson each recorded a pair of kills, while Tylipakis, Kules, and freshman Alexandra Eder had one kill apiece. Quick finished with a team-high nine assists, followed by Kules with four assists. Quick and Tylipakis each recorded five digs to lead Nazareth.

The Golden Flyers host the second day of the New York State Challenge on Saturday. Nazareth plays Fredonia at 1 p.m.