Freshmen help Patriots to volleyball wins

MOUNT OLIVE, NC – Freshman hitter Riley Forester and freshman setter Nicole Bennett helped Francis Marion University to a pair of wins on Friday (Sept. 10) at the Mount Olive College Invitational Volleyball Tournament.

The Patriots improved to 5-1 with a 25-23, 25-22, 27-25 victory over Millersville University and a 26-24, 25-22, 27-25 win over Fairmont State University.

Against Millersville, freshman Paige Perreault had eight kills, while Forester added seven.  Senior Mallory Eggert also had seven kills and three blocks, while hitting .700.  Bennett handed out 27 assists and served two aces, while senior libero Kelsie Deaton dug up a season-high 24 balls and Liz Drewry had 14 digs.

In the nightcap against FSU, Forester registered nine kills and five service aces.  Junior Amanda Mitchell added eight kills and two blocks.  Bennett dished out 34 assists and Deaton compiled 13 digs.  Junior Hallie Legg dug up 11 balls.

In the third game against FSU, the Patriots rallied from a 14-6 deficit to win 27-25.

FMU will play host Mount Olive on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Newberry College at 4 p.m.