FLORENCE, SC – Senior Jessica Lombardi compiled a season-high 22 kills and a .538 attack percentage to lift Francis Marion University to a three-set sweep (27-25, 25-20, 25-22) of Lander University, Saturday afternoon (Oct. 18) in Peach Belt Conference volleyball action.

Francis Marion wins for the 12th time in 13 outings, improves to 18-5 overall, and moves into a first-place tie atop the conference standings with a 4-1 mark. Lander, which was also bidding for a spot atop the standings, drops to 16-9 and 3-2.

Lombardi committed only one attack error in 39 attempts and completed a double-double with 10 digs. Sophomore Emily Hill and freshman Ashlyn Underhill both added eight kills, while senior setter Jenna Kaiser directed the offense with 42 assists. Sophomore libero Kelsie Deaton led FMU with 16 digs.

Senior Kerri Sorensen paced Lander with 11 kills, while senior Kay Stewart added 10 kills. Sophomore setter Candace LaRocca handed out 28 assists and dug up nine balls. Junior Ashley Ferry and freshman Abbey Focht each had 10 digs for the Bearcats.

Lombardi’s kill ended a marathon first set, 27-25, that lasted nearly 35 minutes. The Patriots then held Lander to a .057 attack percentage in game two.

Francis Marion will play at Augusta State University on Wednesday at 7 p.m., while Lander entertains Lenoir-Rhyne College on Tuesday at 7 p.m.