AUGUSTA, GA. – Second-seeded Francis Marion University, after dropping two of the first three games to seventh-seeded Lander University, roared back to win the fourth and fifth games and survived an upset bid by the Bearcats for a 30-20, 25-30, 27-30, 30-19, 15-3 victory in the quarterfinal round of the Peach Belt Conference Volleyball Tournament, Friday afternoon (Nov. 11).

The 27-10 Patriots advance to face the USC Upstate/Augusta State University winner in Friday night's second semifinal match at 8 p.m.

Francis Marion relied on their depth to escape Lander as three players recorded double-figure kills. Junior Lezlie Logan led all players with 16 kills and seven block assists. Senior Kelly Feber had a double-double with 11 kills and 24 digs, one of five Patriots with 10 or more digs. Senior Jessica Bartlett also had 12 kills, while freshman setter Jenna Kaiser had 47 assists and 15 digs.

Lander, which had been swept in three games by the Patriots in each of the past five meetings, ends its season 9-22.  The Bearcats were led by freshman sensation Kerri Sorensen with 14 kills, 13 digs, and six block assists. Sara Senn had 12 kills and a team-high 26 digs, while Kay Steward also had 12 kills to go with eight blocks.

No #7 seed has ever beaten a #2 seed in PBC Tournament history. The game marked the end of the coaching career for Lander's Doug Spears, who earlier announced his retirement.  He volunteered to coach the Bearcats in August following the departure of head coach Angela McGuire.

After a side out to open the deciding fifth game, Strader served eight straight points as FMU rolled to a 9-0 lead en route to a 15-3 win.