AIKEN - The Lander volleyball team, the preseason pick to win the Peach Belt Conference title, defeated USC Aiken for the first time since 2003 Friday night when it claimed a 3-1 PBC victory in the league-opener for both teams. The Bearcats downed USCA, 25-13, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23.

Lander improves to 13-3 overall and 1-0 in the PBC, while the Pacers fall to 10-4, 0-1.

The Bearcats were led by Kay Stewart (12 kills, three solo blocks, two assists), Magi Nottingham (11 kills, 20 digs), Kendall Eayrs (eight kills, two solo blocks, two block assists), Candace LaRocca (37 assists, two service aces), Marina Camps (27 digs), and Mallory Wasik (23 digs, six kills).