FLORENCE, SC - Francis Marion University rallied from a slow start, hitting .400 over the final two sets, to sweep a non-conference match from local-rival Coker College 27-25, 25-16, 25-10, Tuesday evening (Sept. 18) in women's volleyball action.

FMU (7-3) extends its winning streak to three matches and will now turn its attention to Peach Belt Conference play as the Patriots host UNC Pembroke on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The victory was also Francis Marion's 50th all-time against the Cobras in 58 meetings.

Senior Liz Drewry paced FMU with 10 kills, a .304 hitting percentage, four service aces, and nine digs.  Junior middle blocker Megan Mooney added nine kills, while hitting .571, and registered eight blocks – one shy of her career high. 

Patriot setter Kailey Smith distributed 35 assists.  Sophomore libero Meghan Peji recorded 11 digs and junior Jessica Imbimbo added seven kills and 10 digs.

Junior Taylor Willis led Coker (1-11) with six kills and a pair of service aces, while sophomore setter Samantha Celek handed out 19 assists.  Senior libero Brittany Bass dug up a team-high nine balls.

Francis Marion fought off a pair of set points for Coker in the opening set before claiming a 27-25 win, much to the delight of the annual Sea of Red crowd.  A 6-0 run by the Patriots, behind the serving of Peji, allowed FMU to overcome a 3-point deficit midway through set two.  In set three, the Patriots erased a 1-0 Coker advantage with seven consecutive points, again behind the serving of Peji.