AIKEN, SC – Francis Marion University took an early lead in the first set, but USC Aiken rallied to win the set and went on to claim a three-set (25-19, 25-17, 25-21) victory over the Patriots, Saturday afternoon (Sept. 17) in Peach Belt Conference volleyball action.

Francis Marion (6-4, 0-2) will head to North Carolina to face Queens University of Charlotte on Tuesday at 7 p.m. FMU will play host to Columbus State University at 7 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 23), as the Patriots celebrate FMU Organization, Summer Campers, and High School Night in the Smith University Center.

With the first set tied 4-4, the Patriots would rattle off four-unanswered points after a pair of attack errors by the Pacers. FMU would also get back-to-back kills from senior Caroline Boone and sophomore Georgia Garrison to lead 8-4.  However, USCA used a 6-1 run to go on top 10-9, and would eventually snap a 13-13 deadlock with a 3-0 spurt.

Boone paced FMU with 11 kills, while Garrison registered six kills and seven digs. Junior libero Shelbi Meek dug up 15 balls, while sophomore setter Carrie McGinnis guided the Patriot offense and totaled 21 assists and 14 digs.

Julia Foster led USC Aiken (9-1, 2-0) with 17 kills and 18 digs, while Emily Teelon dished out 39 assists and dug up 10 balls.

A deciding 7-0 run by the Pacers snapped a 12-12 tie in set two.  Francis Marion held a 14-9 advantage in the third set, but an 8-1 outburst by USCA late in the set rallied the Pacers for the win.