Lander LAN 20-4, 7-1 PBC

Flagler FLG 12-10, 5-3 PBC

Lander LAN

20-4, 7-1 PBC

Final

Nov. 15, 2024

Flagler FLG

12-10, 5-3 PBC

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Lander LAN	25	22	25	25	(3)
Flagler FLG	22	25	18	13	(1)

Summary
Box Score

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 11/15/2024 10:02:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Volleyball Secures First-Ever Peach Belt Regular Season Title with Stunning Win Over Flagler

St. Augustine, Fla. - In a thrilling showdown in St. Augustine, the Lander volleyball team solidified its dominance in the Peach Belt Conference, defeating the second-ranked Flagler Saints 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-13) to claim the regular season title outright. The victory improved the Bearcats' record to 20-4 overall and 7-1 in the PBC, while Flagler fell to 12-10 (5-3 PBC).

"It is so hard to play at Flagler. They have a small gym with a rowdy student section. It makes it such a difficult place to play but also such a fun environment," stated Head Coach Jeff Reynolds. "Flagler is a very good team and so well coached. We knew tonight's game was not going to be easy."

How it Happened

The match was a battle of powerhouse offenses from the first serve, with both teams posting impressive attacking percentages in the opening set (.294 each). Lander edged out Flagler 25-22, thanks to precise hitting and clutch plays by Katie Miller, who finished the night with a season-high 26 kills.

Reynolds had nothing but praise for his junior outside hitter, stating, "If there was any doubt before tonight's game, which there shouldn't have been, it is now crystal clear she is the best player in the Peach Belt."

Flagler responded with authority in the second set, hitting a blistering .500 as they secured a 25-22 victory, leveling the match.

The momentum shifted decisively in the third set, where Lander's defense and offense synchronized perfectly. Despite an early 4-0 Flagler lead, Lander rallied from behind, holding Flagler to a .281 hitting percentage while hitting a phenomenal .486 themselves. Miller and Madde Blake (11 kills) took over, leading Lander to a 25-18 win.

The Bearcats left no doubt about their championship mettle in the fourth set. With aggressive serving and a suffocating defensive presence, Lander limited Flagler to a shocking -.067 hitting percentage, sealing the set 25-13 and the match 3-1.

Key Performances

Kills: Katie Miller dominated with 26 kills, supported by Madde Blake (11) and Blondie Penaflor (9).
Aces: Penaflor led with three aces, while Miller and Emmi Cheek added two each.
Blocks: Penaflor recorded four blocks, while Olivia Dow and Breana Pelbath added three and two, respectively.
Assists: Lauren Dow orchestrated the offense with 34 assists, demonstrating her court vision and consistency.
Digs: Miller and Cheek anchored the defense with 11 digs apiece, and Sophia Schneider contributed nine.

Final Thoughts

"Winning the championships outright is such a huge milestone for our program. This group of players is the first team ever to win a conference championship," said Reynolds. "It's a tribute to all those who have contributed to the Lander volleyball program over the years, but an honor for these 17 student-athletes who have dedicated so much and made meaningful commitments to get our program to this point."

UP NEXT
With this monumental win, Lander heads into the postseason, riding a wave of championship momentum. The Bearcats have earned the honor of being the number one seed and will host the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, where they'll look to extend their success.

The tournament bracket will be unveiled on Saturday, Nov. 16, and fans can view it on landerbearcats.com or peachbeltconference.org.

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