ANDERSON, S.C.----The Carla Decker Era got off to a perfect start Friday as the Lander volleyball team claimed two season-opening victories for the first-year coach at the Anderson Invitational.

The Bearcats defeated Claflin, 3-0 (30-13, 30-12, 30-12), in the first game then downed Notre Dame (Ohio), 3-0 (30-26, 30-14, 30-25), in their second match. Lander will play Brevard today at noon and will conclude the event against host Anderson at 6.

Against Claflin, Kay Stewart had nine kills and seven blocks, while Andrea Griffin added 10 kills. Carly Plecha led the team in assists with 14, Melissa Trippany had nine digs and Sara Senn contributed five service aces.

Against Notre Dame, Senn had 11 kills and two aces, Griffin 11 kills and 10 blocks, Kerri Sorensen 10 kills, Plecha 22 assists and Trippany 22 digs.