FLORENCE, SC – Freshman middle blocker Hannah Dederick registered 15 kills, a .333 attack percentage, and six blocks to rally Lander University past Francis Marion University in four games (22-25, 25-23, 28-26, 25-17), Saturday afternoon (Oct. 16) in Peach Belt Conference women's volleyball action.

Francis Marion drops to 13-9 overall and 3-6 in the Peach Belt, while the Bearcats improve to 9-11 and 3-7.  The two squads split their season series with each squad winning on the other's home floor.

Freshman Riley Forester led FMU with 11 kills and four service aces, while senior Mallory Eggert added 10 kills and five blocks.  Freshman setter Nicole Bennett compiled 41 assists, while senior libero Kelsie Deaton dug up a game-high 25 balls, her 24th career match of 20+ digs.

FMU junior Ashlee Crook also totaled nine kills and 15 digs.

Following Dederick for Lander was senior Melissa McCracken with 12 kills, three service aces, and 11 digs.  Sophomore Courtney Simmons added 11 kills.  Junior hitter Magi Nottingham recorded six kills and 24 digs, while setters Candace LaRocca and Abbey Focht handed out 24 and 17 assists respectively.

FMU took a quick 13-5 advantage in set one and then held off a Bearcat rally.  Lander responded by taking pair of tight wins in sets two and three.  FMU did have an opportunity to serve for the set in game three.  The Bearcats took a 20-9 lead in set four, before FMU scored five straight points to close to within 20-14.  However, that would be as close as the Patriots would get.

Francis Marion will travel to UNC Pembroke on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. contest.