USC Aiken USCA 12-9

Lander LU 21-5

USC Aiken USCA

12-9

Final

Dec. 06, 2024

Lander LU

21-5

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	F
USC Aiken USCA	16	20	23	(0)
Lander LU	25	25	25	(3)

Summary
Box Score

Hailey Franklin

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 12/6/2024 2:12:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Bearcats Advance to Southeast Regional Semifinals with a Dominant Sweep over USC Aiken

WINGATE, N.C. - The Lander University volleyball team made a strong statement in the NCAA Southeast Regional opener, defeating USC Aiken in straight sets (25-16, 25-20, 25-23). The Bearcats now advance to play the familiar Peach Belt foe, the three-seeded Flagler Saints, in Friday's semifinals at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

How it Happened

Set one: The Bearcats set the tone early, clinching the first set 25-16 behind a .485 hitting percentage and stellar performances from Katie Miller (five kills), Olivia Dow (four kills), and Lauren Dow (two kills, one ace). A 10-5 run midway through, bolstered by strong serving from Madde Blake and a service ace by Blondie Penaflor, extended Lander's lead.

Set two: The Bearcats overcame a scrappy effort from USC Aiken to take the second set 25-20, thanks to Miller's consistent dominance with six kills and a crucial service ace. The Bearcats maintained their edge with strong play at the net, including blocks by Breana Pelbath and L Dow, who also added two service aces.

Set three: The home team edged out a competitive third set, 25-23, to seal the match, with Miller once again leading the charge. The outside hitter contributed seven kills and a critical service ace, while Blake provided critical kills down the stretch, finishing with three in the set. Defensively, Pelbath and Penaflor combined for key blocks that slowed USC Aiken's late push.

Key Performances

Katie Miller delivered another impressive performance, tallying 19 kills with a .244 hitting percentage
Lauren Dow had a stand-out match, leading the team in aces (2), blocks (5), assists (27), and digs (14)
Breana Pelbath (4) and Blondie Penaflor (2) teamed up for a total of six blocks, making it challenging for USC Aiken to find their rhythm on offense

This victory marks a significant milestone for Lander, as it is the first time in school history they have swept an opponent in the NCAA Southeast Regional. The Bearcats are riding high with this momentum and are ready to keep the success rolling as they aim for a deep tournament run.

Hear from Head Coach, Jeff Reynolds, and Graduate OH, Madde Blake:

UP NEXT
The Bearcats will play the third-seeded Saints on Friday, Dec. 6, in the Southeast Regional Semifinals starting at 4 p.m. For more information about the tournament, click here.

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