MONROE - Despite a strong start in the opening game, the Monroe volleyball team fell to conference opponent Oregon in three games (26-24, 25-17, 25-19) Thursday in Monroe.

"We came out strong. We were ready to play," Monroe coach Danya Ward said. "Oregon was making mistakes, but we were capitalizing on it. In the early 20s, we started making a few mistakes and they shut us down."

The Cheesemakers (0-3 in the Badger South) were led by junior Taylor Barrett, who notched eight kills and four blocks. Senior Becca Armstrong also recorded eight kills, senior Ashley Curtis had seven digs, and senior Heather Barta notched 16 assists.

Monroe's strong play continued early into the second game, but Oregon pulled away.

"We went out and stayed with them for the first couple points, and then they got into our heads a little bit," Ward said. "There were definitely some good rallies there where we showed some life ... but unfortunately the energy didn't give us enough momentum to carry us."

The Panthers were led by junior Maddy Gits who recorded 23 kills.

Monroe has now lost 20 straight Badger South matches.

The Cheesemakers will look to buck the conference losing streak when they travel to take on Stoughton at 7 p.m. Tuesday.