GREENWOOD, S.C. – Hitting the road for a mid-week non-conference match with Lander University, the Anderson University volleyball team dropped a three-set decision to the Bearcats on Tuesday, September 26.

The Trojans were led by senior Tabitha Wheeler (Greenville, S.C.) who was able to tally nine kills on the night while pitching in a pair of service aces. Seniors Sadie Kluner (Venice, Fla.) and Jaelyn Grimm (Cedar Park, Texas) each recorded six kills on the night. Senior Jenna Long (Clearwater, Fla.) notched 30 assists while junior Hannah Neff (Fort Mill, S.C.) turned in a team high 13 digs.

Anderson started the night with a quick 3-0 lead in the contest, but the Bearcats quickly responded, outscoring the Trojans 8-2 in the next stretch. AU managed to maintain a four-point margin until the score reached 14-10 in the set when Lander went on a five-point streak to extend their lead to 19-10. Anderson narrowed the gap to five points at 20-15, but Lander closed out the set with a score of 25-21.

In the second set, Lander took an early 7-1 lead, but the Trojans fought back, scoring six consecutive points to tie the contest. Anderson then took the lead and resisted several lead change attempts by Lander, but the Bearcats managed to regain control and, although the Trojans brought the score to 24-23, they couldn't force extra points, losing the set 25-23.

Lander once again started strong in the third set, scoring the first six points before allowing the Trojans to rally. Lander maintained a similar lead until the 15-10 mark when Anderson mounted a comeback, outscoring the Bearcats 8-2 to take the lead. The Trojans held the lead until 21-19 when Lander finished the match by scoring the final six points of the set, resulting in a 25-21 victory.

Anderson will return to action on Friday, September 29, traveling to Greeneville, Tenn., to face Tusculum in a conference showdown.