Lander Lander 15-3; 3-0

USCA USCA 11-5; 3-2

Lander Lander

15-3; 3-0

Final

Oct. 29, 2024

USCA USCA

11-5; 3-2

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	4	5	F
Lander Lander	21	21	25	25	15	(3)
USCA USCA	25	25	19	19	9	(2)

Summary
Box Score

Thomas Holland - Lander Athletics

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 10/29/2024 9:07:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Volleyball Triumphs in Five-Set Comeback Thriller Against USC Aiken

AIKEN, S.C. - The Lander Bearcats volleyball team had an exhilarating five-set comeback victory over the USC Aiken Pacers on Tuesday night. After dropping the first two sets, the Bearcats mounted a relentless attack to claim a 3-2 victory (21-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-9). With the win, the Bearcats remain undefeated in the Peach Belt with a 3-0 conference record and improve to 15-3 overall.

How it Happened

Set 1: The Bearcats and Pacers went back-and-forth in the first set, with USC Aiken capitalizing on early momentum to take the lead. Despite solid performances from Katie Miller and Madde Blake, the Bearcats couldn't hold off the Pacers, who edged ahead with a 14-10 kill advantage. USCA's .189 hitting percentage was just enough to secure the first set, 25-21.

Set 2: The second set mirrored the first as USC Aiken again pulled ahead. Lander fought back with an impressive 15 kills and a .237 hitting percentage, including clutch plays from Miller and Blake. Despite their efforts, USC Aiken remained one step ahead, taking the set, 25-21, and positioning themselves within one set of a victory.

Set 3: Determined to turn the tide, the Bearcats came alive in the third set. Lander's defensive adjustments were evident as they held USCA to a -.048 hitting percentage, forcing the Pacers into ten errors. Blondie Penaflor and Miller anchored the defense with crucial blocks, allowing the Bearcats to take control and claim the set, 25-19.

Set 4: Lander's momentum continued to build as they leveled the match at two sets each. USCA struggled to regain their footing, posting a .000 hitting percentage as Lander's defense, led by Karson Browning, shut down the Pacer offense. On offense, Miller and Blake continued their scoring spree, guiding Lander to another 25-19 victory and setting up a decisive fifth set.

Set 5: With the comeback within reach, the Bearcats showed unwavering focus and energy in the final set. The Bearcats' offense was sharp, hitting a match-best .375 with six kills and no errors. Penaflor and Miller again played key roles defensively, with a combined 16 blocks in the match. Lander's efficient play and fierce defensive wall proved too much for the Pacers, allowing the Bearcats to pull away for a 15-9 victory, sealing the match.

Key Performances

Katie Miller led the Bearcats on every cylinder with 16 kills, adding 19 digs and eight blocks
Madde Blake contributed 14 kills, two aces, and 14 digs in the match
Blondie Penaflor was a wall on defense for the Bearcats, recording eight blocks
Lauren Dow set the pace with 43 assists and 13 digs
Freshman Karson Browning recorded eight kills and six blocks on the match