Flagler Flag 5-9,1-2 Peach Belt

Lander Lander 9-3,1-0 Peach Belt

Flagler Flag

5-9,1-2 Peach Belt

Final

Oct. 12, 2024

Lander Lander

9-3,1-0 Peach Belt

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	4	5	F
Flagler Flag	25	25	29	16	11	(2)
Lander Lander	23	27	27	25	15	(3)

Summary
Box Score

Turner Kirby

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 10/12/2024 10:06:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Edges Out Flagler in a Five-Set Thriller

Penaflor's career high 13 blocks help lift the Bearcats past the Saints.

GREENWOOD - Lander pulled off a thrilling five-set comeback to defeat Flagler in their first Peach Belt showdown of the season. The Bearcats improved to 9-3 overall and 1-0 in Peach Belt play. The Saints fell to 5-9 overall and 1-2 in conference action.

"This is a great way to start the conference season," Head Coach Jeff Reynolds said. "It's so important to get that first conference win."

How it Happened

Set 1: Flagler came out strong, led by Jordan Berglin's aggressive play at the net, delivering six kills in the first set. Lander stayed competitive, with Katie Miller contributing five kills of her own, but they couldn't quite close the gap. Flagler's efficient hitting percentage of .212 gave them the edge, as they sealed the set 25-23.

Set 2: Lander bounced back in a back-and-forth second set. Despite Flagler's early lead, Lander's persistent defense and timely kills from Miller and Olivia Dow kept them in the match. Lander edged out the set 27-25, with their aggressive blocks and a slight improvement in their hitting percentage to .086, which helped them secure the win.

Set 3: The third set was another nail-biter, as the Saints reclaimed control with their best offensive performance of the night. Berglin totaled eight kills, pushing Flagler to a .267 hitting percentage. The Bearcats fought hard, but their .205 efficiency couldn't keep pace, allowing Flagler to take the set 29-27.

Set 4: Lander came alive in the fourth set with a dominant display. Led by Miller's relentless attack and Blondie Penaflor's formidable blocking at the net, they held Flagler to just 16 points. Lander's stellar .364 hitting percentage was a major factor, while Flagler struggled to find their rhythm, hitting just .146. This set win forced a decisive fifth set.

"Our block was on point tonight. Our front row took control of the match in the fourth set with an outstanding defensive effort," said Reynolds.

Set 5: In the final set, Lander rode their momentum to a hard-fought victory. With strong performances from Miller and O. Dow, Lander pulled ahead to win 15-11.

Key Performances

Katie Miller was dominant with a season-high 23 kills and three aces
Blondie Penaflor shut down Flagler's offensive attack with a career-high 13 blocks
Lauren Dow led with 44 assists and 20 digs

Final Thoughts

"I feel like we were a little flat in the first and most of the second set. We finally came alive in the second set and finally got things rolling," said Reynolds. "I couldn't be more proud of this group. That was such a great team effort. Flagler is a very good team, and we have a tremendous respect for their group."

UP NEXT
The Bearcats will be back in the Horne Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 15, when they host Winston-Salem State University starting at 6 p.m.

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