Gaffney, S.C. – The Lander volleyball team (12-7, 2-4 PBC) defeated Limestone 3-1 on Tuesday as the Bearcats continued their momentum from last weekend’s come-from-behind victory against Tusculum.
Similarly to the team’s last outing, the Bearcats fell behind early against Limestone (4-11, 4-6 CC). The Saints took the first set by a 25-20 margin after winning the set’s final five points.
Unwilling to be denied, the Bearcats responded in the second set behind a run of their own. After trailing 11-10, Lander won the game’s next five points to take hold of a lead that they would not relinquish. The Bearcats would take the second set by a score of 25-21.
In the third set, the two teams traded points early and often. Limestone took the set’s first five points, but the Bearcats responded with three straight points of their own. With freshman setter Nell Copelandserving, Lander again put together a string of points to make the score 19-19. Outside hitter Kristin Martindale took it from their as the senior recorded two kills to give the Bearcats the 25-22 set victory.
Lander jumped out to a 14-8 lead in the final set, but the Saints made a valiant charge to tie the score at 20. However, freshman right side hitter Hannah Hritz had the answer with two kills of her own to propel Lander to the 25-22 set win.
Hritz finished with an impressive 18 kills. Junior Sophia Perkins led the team with 26 assists, while sophomore Hannah McManus finished with 28 digs. Senior Reyonia Whipple led the Bearcats with six assisted blocks and one solo.
Lander will return to action on Friday with a 7:00 p.m. match against Francis Marion.
