FLORENCE, S.C. – The Lander volleyball team defeated Francis Marion in straight sets (25-23, 25-22, 25-20) in Peach Belt Conference play on Friday night.

The Bearcats (11-3, 1-1 PBC) have now won three of their last four matches. FMU (8-7, 0-1 PBC) suffered its fifth defeat in eight outings. 

Kyra Ross notched 18 with nine digs, while Hannah Hritz had six kills on 13 swings. Madilyn Reed posted 29 assists and 14 digs. Hannah McManus added 21 digs, while Corey Nichols recorded 10 digs. 

Lander trailed 7-3 in the first set, but scored 10 of the final 15 points to rally and take a 25-23 win. The Bearcats built an 11-point lead in the second set before withstanding a Patriot rally, ending the set with a block from Ross and Reilly Kuenstler to move ahead 2-0. Ross put an exclamation point on her night by recording three kills in Lander's final four points as the Bearcats closed set three with a 4-0 run to complete the sweep. 

The Bearcats head to North Carolina to face UNC Pembroke on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2:00 p.m.

#cLawsUp | @LanderVBALL