GREENWOOD – The Lander volleyball team held a 2-0 lead on Tuesday against USC Aiken, but dropped a five-set decision to the Pacers (23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-8) in a PBC contest in Finis Horne Arena.

Maya Walker led the offense with 16 kill, while Christina Aguayo added 15 and Deona Mims notched 12.

Aguayo finished with a double-double, tallying 15 digs, and Madilyn Reed recorded 47 assists and 15 digs for her own double-double.

Maddie Reed led the Bearcats with 31 digs, Hallie Huth notched 16 digs, and Maddie Moss finished with 14. 

Lander rallied from a 22-21 deficit in set one with three consecutive kills from Alexa Barral, Aguayo, and Olivia Dow. In the second set, the Bearcats broke an 18-18 tie by ending the set on a 7-2 run, capped by a service ace from Emma Efird. 

Three straight points by USC Aiken to end the third set gave the Pacers a 25-22 win. Lander led 20-17 in set four, put the Pacers scored eight of the set's final 10 points. After an even opening six points in the decisive set, USC Aiken broke things open with an 8-1 run and held on for a comeback win. 

Lander returns to action Thursday with a road match at UNC Pembroke. 

#cLawsUp | @LanderVBALL