DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Jordan Jefferson registered her 37^th career double-double with 10 kills and 19 digs, but Bethune-Cookman dropped a 3-1 (20-25,28-26,25-19,25-18) decision to four-time defending champion Howard in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener for both teams Friday night in Moore Gym.

The Lady Wildcats (3-10 overall, 0-1 MEAC) jumped out to a 19-11 lead to take the first set, but Howard (4-11,1-0) overcame two set points to avoid going down two sets and even the match.

Freshman Bailey Robinson had nine kills for BCU, while Tynesha Adams and Alleah Davis each had seven. Davis and Faith Landreneaux (four kills) each had four blocks.

Ryleigh Taylor double-doubled with 20 assists and 10 kills, Shayla Eugene had 10 kills and Kortney Curtis 14 assists for BCU.

Jurnee Taylor's 14 kills led four Bison in double figures.

BCU hosts Norfolk State Sunday at 1 p.m.