TIGERVILLE, SC – The Patriots were unable to overcome 25 attacking errors and a .109 hitting percentage on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 3), as Francis Marion University was swept in three sets (20-25, 19-25, 25-27) at North Greenville University in Conference Carolinas women's volleyball play.
With the loss, the Patriots (12-5, 8-2) see a five-match winning streak snapped and are swept in conference play for the first time since Nov. 6, 2024. Meanwhile, the Trailblazers improve to 10-8 overall with a 6-4 mark in conference action.
Francis Marion concludes its five-match roadstand on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the University of Mount Olive with the divisional contest set for 6 p.m.
Senior outside hitter
Madilyn Gartner registered a team-high 14 kills with one service ace, two blocks, and 10 digs. Fellow senior opposite hitter
Camryn Faggart finished with seven kills, one block, and one dig, while graduate student middle blocker
Vanessa Blake contributed seven kills on a .353 clip. Sophomore setter
Aubrey Johnson guided the offense with 33 assists and added seven digs.
Senior defensive specialist
Kayla Clayworth recorded a season-high 15 digs, while sophomore outside hitter
Haleigh Kamer totaled 12 digs, plus four kills. Freshman libero
Alyssa Whiteside finished with nine digs and two assists against the Trailblazers.
In the first set, North Greenville built an 8-4 lead following an early 5-1 run before leaping in front by a 14-7 margin. With the Trailblazers holding a 21-14 lead, the Patriots scored six of the next eight points, including four kills by sophomore middle blocker
McKayla Stockwell, to close the gap to 23-20. Back-to-back kills by North Greenville secured the opening set, 25-20.
The second set featured nine ties and four lead changes in the opening portion of the set. The Patriots held a 10-9 lead before NGU countered with four unanswered to take a 13-10 edge. Francis Marion was unable to close the gap despite battling back as North Greenville claimed the set, 25-19.
FMU raced out to a 5-1 advantage in the third set following consecutive service aces by Clayworth. The Trailblazers rallied to tie the contest at 8-8 before eventually establishing a 14-12 edge. The Patriots responded with four straight points to regain the lead, 16-14, before holding a 21-17 advantage late in the set. NGU answered back with six consecutive points to take a 23-21 lead, but FMU countered with a 4-1 rally to reach set point, 25-24. The Trailblazers ultimately would not be denied after scoring three straight points to claim the sweep, 27-25.
