Lander Lander 17-4,4-1 Peach Belt

Converse Conv 18-6,12-2 Conference Carolinas

Lander Lander

17-4,4-1 Peach Belt

Final

Nov. 06, 2024

Converse Conv

18-6,12-2 Conference Carolinas

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	F
Lander Lander	25	25	25	(3)
Converse Conv	14	19	23	(0)

Summary
Box Score

Jim Slagle

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 11/6/2024 8:10:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Bearcats Shine in Victory Over Converse, Proving Recent Top-10 Regional Ranking

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Wednesday night, the Lander Bearcats showcased their recent NCAA Southeast Regional top-10 ranking with a commanding road victory over the Converse Valkyries. Lander swept Converse in straight sets (25-14, 25-19, 25-23), putting on a clinic across all three sets. With this victory, Lander improves to 17-4 overall (4-1 PBC), reinforcing their status as a formidable force in the region.

The Bearcats' offense was led by Katie Miller, who delivered a standout 17 kills, outshining Converse's top scorers. Miller and strong performances from Blondie Penaflor (8 kills) and Olivia Dow (4 kills) kept the Bearcats' attack relentless, notching an impressive team kill percentage of .298 compared to Converse's .075. Setter Lauren Dow was a pivotal force, racking up 33 assists and chipping in three aces, propelling Lander to maintain momentum across each set.

Defensively, the Bearcats were equally dominant, with L. Dow and Emmi Cheek each tallying 13 digs, effectively neutralizing Converse's scoring attempts. The Bearcats also excelled at the net, with Penaflor leading in blocks (5) and Dow adding four.

How it Happened

Set 1: The first set saw the Bearcats storm ahead with a .219 hitting percentage while limiting Converse to a negative attack rate. With Converse committing nine errors, the Bearcats pulled ahead early and never looked back, closing the set comfortably at 25-14.

Set 2: The second set was a masterclass in offensive efficiency, with Lander firing at a remarkable .452, capitalizing on every opportunity and setting the tone for the match. Converse showed some resilience, improving to a .282 hitting percentage, but they couldn't match Lander's precision and efficiency.

Set 3: Despite Converse's attempt to rally in the third, the Bearcats held their ground, closing out the set and securing a decisive sweep. Converse's attack percentage dropped to .031, partly due to Lander's effective blocking and defensive digs. The Bearcats' poise and disciplined play allowed them to clinch the set 25-23, completing the 3-0 sweep.

Key Performances

Lauren Dow recorded 33 assists with 13 digs and three aces
Katie Miller led the Bearcats with 17 kills
Blondie Penaflor continued her success at the net, recording eight kills on offense and five blocks on defense
Emmi Cheek tallied 13 digs on defense for Lander

UP NEXT

The Bearcats will host Georgia College on Friday, Nov. 8, for their Senior Night game. Starting at 6 p.m. in Finis Horne Arena, the team will honor its four seniors: Blondie Penaflor, Olivia Dow, Madde Blake, and Ellyn Adams.

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