Pembroke, N.C. – The Lander volleyball team (14-7, 4-4 PBC) extended its winning to streak to four games on Saturday with a 3-0 win over UNC Pembroke (4-20, 0-8 PBC). Since trailing to Tusculum 2-0 last Saturday, the Bearcats have won 12 of their last 15 sets.
The Bearcats never trailed in the first set as Lander jumped out to an early 10-4 lead. Junior middle back Imari Ashley registered four kills as the Bearcats cruised to the easy 25-10 set victory.
In the second set, UNC Pembroke commanded an early advantage as the Braves took the set’s first three points. Lander responded with libero Emma Efird back to serve though, as the freshman delivered two consecutive aces and served for seven straight points to give the Bearcats a 15-6 lead. Later in the set, Efird would again serve for four straight points en route to the 25-19 win.
Lander continued its momentum into the third set as the Bearcats took an early 11-3 advantage. UNC Pembroke responded with four straight points to cut the Lander lead to five, but the Bearcats would not allow the Braves to come any closer. Lander again rode a stretch of seven-consecutive points to take the third set by a score of 25-11.
Saturday’s win marks the sixth time this season that the Bearcats have won in straight sets. Freshman right side hitter Hannah Hritz led the way for Lander with 10 kills off a .280 hitting efficiency. Junior setter Sophia Perkinscompiled a team-high 21 assists, while sophomore libero Hannah McManus led the way with 13 digs. Senior middle back Reyonia Whipple added 5 assisted blocks and 2 solos.
Lander will be back in action on Tuesday in Horne Arena as the Bearcats host Georgia College. The match will be Lander’s annual “Dig Pink Match.”
