FLORENCE, SC - Francis Marion University rallied from a slow start behind the play of freshman Alexzandra Reed, but the Patriots were unable to overcome the early deficit and fell in four sets (25-11, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18) to Flagler College, Friday night (Oct. 5) in Peach Belt Conference women's volleyball action.

Francis Marion (9-6, 1-3) will return to the court on Saturday as the Patriots host Armstrong Atlantic State University at 2 p.m.

Reed compiled a career-high 11 kills on 26 swings with a .385 attack percentage.  FMU sophomore setter Sloane Shank handed out 19 assists, while sophomore libero Meghan Peji dug up a team-high 19 balls.

After trimming the Saints' lead to 2-1 with a set-three win, Francis Marion fell behind 3-0 to start set four and was never able to tie the score again.  The Patriots got to within 13-11 following a kill by Reed, but Flagler scored five of the next six points to regain the momentum.

Senior outside hitter Dianna Craine led Flagler (10-6, 3-0) with 15 kills, 16 digs, and a .344 attack percentage.  Junior Emilee Taylor added 12 kills, 11 digs, and four blocks, while freshman setter Amelia Morgan dished out 45 assists.  Libero Casey Gnann recorded 19 digs after entering the match ranked fifth nationally with 6.0 digs per set.