AIKEN, SC – Francis Marion University lost twice on Saturday (Sept. 14) to conclude play at the Pacer Invitational Volleyball Tournament.  FMU fell in three sets (25-23, 25-8, 25-17) to unbeaten and 25th-ranked Augusta University and then lost in five sets (14-25, 25-12, 18-25, 25-13, 15-9) to the University of Montevallo.
 
Francis Marion (1-6) will play its home opener on Friday when the Patriots entertain Georgia College at 6 p.m.  FMU will also host Newberry College on Saturday at 2 p.m.
 
In the loss to Augusta, senior Kara Walker led FMU with six kills, while sophomore Chaney Barth tallied five and 13 digs.  Junior setter Mya Mendoza dished out 11 assists, dug up 13 balls, and served two aces.
 
Francis Marion led 22-17 in the opening set, but the Jaguars closed with an 8-1 run and never trailed again in the match.
 
In the marathon defeat at the hands of Montevallo, Walker registered 10 kills, nine digs, and three blocks.  Barth recorded nine kills, while senior Kaytlin Smart added eight kills and a team-high seven blocks.
 
Mendoza (19) and sophomore setter Ella Martinez (13) combined for 32 assists.
 
The Patriots won the first and third sets, but were unable to hold off the Falcons.