AIKEN, SC - Francis Marion University twice rallied from down a set to even the match, but Carson-Newman University claimed the deciding fifth set to earn a 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 14-25, 15-11 non-conference victory over the Patriots, Friday evening (Sept. 13) at the Pacer Invitational Volleyball Tournament.

Francis Marion (1-4) will conclude its tournament play with a pair of matches on Saturday: 11 a.m. against Augusta University and 3 p.m. against the University of Montevallo.

Senior Kara Walker paced FMU with 12 kills, 10 digs, four blocks, and three service aces.  Sophomore Chaney Barth just missed her first double-double as a Patriot with 10 kills and nine digs, while senior Kaytlin Smart added eight kills.

Sophomore libero Ella Quiring dug up a career-high 24 balls and served five aces.  The Patriots employed a 6-2 rotation for the first time this season with junior setter Mya Mendoza recording 24 assists, eight digs, and three aces, while sophomore setter Ella Martinez tallied 14 assists, seven digs, and two aces.

Emerson Ahsmuhs led Carson-Newman (4-1) with 22 kills and 14 digs.

In the fifth set, the Eagles jumped to a quick 2-0 advantage, but FMU rallied to knot the score at 2-2 and 3-3.  The Patriots took a 4-3 lead after a kill by sophomore Ava LaVancha, but Carson-Newman quickly tied the score and would not trail again.  Francis Mariuon pulled to with 10-9, but the Eagles registered the next three points en route to the 15-11 win.