AIKEN, S.C. – The Lander volleyball team bounced back from its first defeat of the season to earn a 3-1 win over Lee and cap a 1-1 opening day at the USC Aiken Invitational on Friday. The Bearcats fell to Auburn Montgomery 24-26, 22-25, 26-24, 25-11, 11-15 before knocking off the Flames 17-25, 25-13, 25-17, 25-18.

After coming up just short in the comeback effort against Auburn Montgomery, Kyra Ross and Madilyn Reed led the Bearcats with a pair of double-doubles in the victory over the Flames. Ross recorded 11 digs and 10 kills, while Reed racked up 41 assist and 10 digs. Hannah Hritz led Lander with 13 kills and Hannah McManus totaled a team-high 24 digs. 

After dropping the opening set, Lander took set two behind a 5-0 run that allowed the Bearcats to build a nine-point advantage and pull away. In set three, Lander broke open a 5-5 score with 15 of the next 22 points to move in front. Leading 22-18 in the fourth set, consecutive kills from Deona Mims, Reilly Kuenstler, and Boo Luther clinched the match for the Bearcats. 

Lander plays its final match of the weekend on Saturday as the Bearcats face Florida Southern at 3:00 p.m. 

#cLawsUp | @LanderVBALL