FLORENCE, S.C. – The Anderson University volleyball split a pair of decisions at the Francis Marion Invitational on Friday, sweeping UNC Pembroke, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20), but was unable to sustain the momentum, falling 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 22-25, 19-25) to the host Patriots at the Smith University Center.
Anderson moved to 4-2 on the season with its second win in as many meetings over UNC Pembroke (1-7) in the last eight years, while Francis Marion improved to 4-2 on the season with its first win in three meetings with the Trojans.
UNC Pembroke
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Freshman Rachel Mackey posted her first collegiate double-double by sharing match-high honors with 12 kills and 10 digs, while recording three service aces. Junior Serena Jackson added a dozen kills on the strength of a stellar .435 hitting percentage and notched three block assists. Freshman Emily Conlin handed out 32 assists, while sophomore Emily Conard recorded 10 digs for the Trojans. Freshman Kathryn Hughes notched five block assists, with senior Rachel Burts added four block assists.
First Set
Anderson quickly doubled up the Braves at 8-4 following back-to-back service aces from Mackey, with UNCP climbing within 10-7 before the Trojans countered with a 10-3 outburst to put the match out of reach. Jackson knocked down four of her kills to fuel the surge. The Braves pulled back within 24-21 before Burts finished the set with her third kill of the frame.
Second Set
The Trojans raced out to a 9-2 advantage behind a pair of kills from both Conlin and Jackson, while steadily building a double-digit, 19-9, cushion. UNCP would get no closer than six the rest of the way.
Third Set
AU pushed out to an early 7-2 lead and doubled up the Braves at 10-5 when Jackson and Hughes teamed up for a block. The Trojans claimed a 17-7 advantage on the first of two aces from Mackey before UNC Pembroke rallied within 23-20 on a service ace. But AU took advantage on consecutive attack errors from the Braves to complete the sweep.
Francis Marion
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Junior Marissa Mitter notched her third double-double of the early season, with 17 kills and 10 digs, while Jackson added 13 kills. Burts and Hughes tallied seven kills apiece, with Conlin handing out 50 assists, notching four service aces and coming up with six digs. Conard posted a match-high 26 digs, while sophomore Jayln Knight added nine digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
The Trojans took a 10-4 lead early in the frame with Mitter, Jackson and senior Allison Gaminde each posting a pair of kills, but were unable to hold the early lead as Francis Marion used a 9-5 run to knot the score at 15 apiece. The two teams battled on even terms, but with the score even at 21-21, the Patriots took a two-point lead and held on for the narrow win.
Second Set
AU bounced back by jumping out to a 9-3 lead and built a 20-9 advantage behind a .300 hitting percentage. The Trojans claimed a double-digit 17-7 cushion with Knight serving and went on to take the nine-point victory.
Third Set
The Trojans led 17-13 midway through the set, but relinquished the lead late, as the Patriots rallied for the 25-22 win.
Fourth Set
After falling behind by five early in the frame, the Trojans rallied to take a 13-12 lead on the strength of a 10-4 outburst. The set featured six ties with Francis Marion scoring the final six points for the win.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE DAY
Serena Jackson posted a .396 hitting percentage on the day.
NOTES
- The sweep of UNC Pembroke was AU's third shutout of the season.
- Mackey's double-double versus the Braves was the first of her career.
- The Trojans have reached double-figure block assists in three matches.
- Jackson's 12 kills against the Braves marked her first double-figure tally of the season.
- Conlin averaged 11.71 assists on the day.
UP NEXT
Anderson is slated to square off against Emmanuel at 9 a.m. Saturday and will wrap up the tourney against Barton at 5 p.m.
