FLORENCE, SC - On the brink of falling in an 0-2 hole, first-place Flagler College rallied to win the second game and then went on to a four-game win (16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16) over Francis Marion University, Saturday afternoon (Oct. 3) in Peach Belt Conference women's volleyball action.

The Patriots slip to 7-9 overall and 2-5 in the PBC, while the Saints improve to 14-8 and 7-1 in their first year in the conference.

Francis Marion will play at Limestone College on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., while Flagler plays at Valdosta State University also on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Junior 6-1 middle blocker Mallory Eggert paced Francis Marion with 12 kills and three blocks.  Senior 6-1 middle blocker Caitlin Simpson had eight kills in nine total attacks and compiled six blocks. Sophomore setter Hallie Legg handed out 26 assists, while senior Jess O'Leary tallied 15 assists.  Junior libero Kelsie Deaton recorded 20 digs for her 14th career match of at least 20 digs.

Senior outside hitter Katie Beale led Flagler with 15 kills, and 11 digs.  Meg Weathersby and Justine Burkhardt had 10 kills apiece, while registering 15 and 11 digs respectively.  Freshman libero Casey Gnann dug up a match-high 28 balls.  Setters Olivia Snipes (29) and Rebecca Royal (20) combined to dish out 49 assists.

After Francis Marion won the opening game, the Patriots led 21-20 late in game two.  Flagler ran off four straight points to lead 24-21 and eventually captured the game 25-22.  The Saints took control of game three midway through at 18-14, and grabbed an early 9-4 advantage in game four.