BANNER ELK, N.C. - The Francis Marion University volleyball team rallied from a 2-1 deficit to claim a five-game win over Newberry College on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 3) and finished its play at the Carolina Challenge, hosted by Lees-McRae College, with three wins in four matches. 

On Saturday, Francis Marion defeated Limestone College 30-21, 35-33, 30-17, before losing a marathon five-game decision (30-24, 24-30, 30-18, 16-30, 16-14) to the host school.  On Sunday, FMU swept St. Andrews Presbyterian College in the three games (30-26, 35-33, 30-16), before rallying past Newberry College 30-19, 21-30, 26-30, 30-18, 15-11.

The Patriots improve to 7-2 and will play their 2006 home opener on Tuesday when they entertain Division I opponent Charleston Southern University at 7 p.m.

Senior Lezlie Logan paced the Patriots with 54 kills in the tournament, while setter Jenna Kaiser compiled 158 assists and senior libero Jessica Strader registered 90 digs. Logan was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Both Kaiser and Strader had 31 digs and two aces apiece in the loss to Less-McRae. Freshman Krissy Mordini led FMU in the come-from-behind win over Newberry with 13 kills and the Patriots recorded 15 total team blocks (8 by Michelle Settergren) against the Indians.