FLORENCE, SC - Sporting pink jerseys as part of the Dig Pink National Breast Cancer Awareness Rally, Francis Marion University swept past local-rival Coker College in three games (25-23, 25-12, 25-22), Tuesday evening (Oct. 20) in non-conference volleyball action.

Francis Marion (11-10) wins for the fourth time in its past five outings, and ups its all-time series lead over the Cobras to 46-8.  For the season, Coker drops to 2-22.

Sophomores Ashlyn Underhill and Amanda Mitchell each registered six kills to lead the Patriots.  Setters Jess O'Leary and Hallie Legg distributed 16 and 13 assists respectively, while O'Leary completed a double-double with 11 digs.  Senior middle blocker Caitlin Simpson added a match-high six blocks.

FMU got off to a slow start, trailing 13-9 midway through the opening set.  Mallory Eggert served seven straight points for the Patriots to put Francis Marion up 17-13.  Coker rallied to within 23-22, but the Patriots pulled out a 25-23 victory.

Francis Marion scored the opening five points of set two and never trailed.  The third set was close throughout with FMU picking up the decisive 3-point win.

Freshman April Griggs paced Coker with six kills, while sophomore Cynallyhia Indriago added three kills, four service aces, and eight digs.  Lisa Ross dug up 11 balls, while freshman setter Molly Bookhart handed out 10 assists.

Francis Marion will travel to Greenwood, S.C., for the Play for the Cure Tournament this Friday and Saturday.  FMU will face Anderson University on Friday at 3 p.m. to open tournament play.