SAVANNAH, GA – Armstrong Atlantic State University survived a scare from visiting Francis Marion University to claim a five-game win in both team's Peach Belt Conference opener on Friday evening, 30-21, 30-25, 34-36, 24-30, 15-10.
The Pirates (10-7, 1-0 PBC) got a career-high performance from junior Lauren Good, who registered a career-high 18 kills and led all players in the match. Good's previous career high in kills was 10, set last season against Converse on Sept. 18. Christina Flores added 15 kills and 17 digs, while Adriana Miller registered 14 kills and 18 digs for AASU in the victory, the 14th straight over FMU dating back to 1999.
After going down two games to none, Francis Marion head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick switched setters, replacing Brittany Helgeson with Jenna Kaiser, and Kaiser registered 32 assists to lead the Patriots back and push the match to five games. Jessica Bartlett led the Patriots (12-6, 0-1) offensively with 14 kills, while Jessica Strader led all players defensively with 21 digs.
AASU, the league's best blocking team, finished with 15 team blocks, including 10 by junior Leah Schmiedge. Francis Marion registered 11 blocks, led by Lezlie Logan';s seven.
The Pirates return to action on Saturday afternoon with a 4:00 p.m. match against UNC Pembroke, while Francis Marion next visits Division I Charleston Southern on Monday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m.