CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Lander volleyball team opened the season with a pair of victories in the Queens Invitational on Friday. Lander swept Catawba, 3-0, then knocked off Belmont Abbey, 3-2, in a five-set thriller.

Lander defeated Catawba, 25-16, 25-19, 25-22, and beat Belmont Abbey 26-24, 24-26, 25-14, 22-25, 15-7. 

Against Catawba, Khiani Kelly led the way with 11 kills while Kendall Korte tallied 17 digs to lead the team. Reyonia Whipple and Halle Dotson also added 10 kills for the Bearcats. Catawba was led by Allison Benton (12 kills) and Meredith Furr (18 digs).

Against Belmont Abbey, Amanda Medlock tallied a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs, while Dotson and Korted recorded 26 kills and 26 digs, respectively.

Lander faces Lenoir-Rhyne and host Queens on Saturday.