HICKORY, N.C. - Newberry College came up short against Lenoir-Rhyne College in its South Atlantic Conference opener, dropping a three-game match (30-20, 30-13, 30-15) Friday evening at Shuford Gymnasium.  The Bears improved to 10-4 on the year and 1-0 in league play while Newberry fell to 4-5 and 0-2, respectively.

In game one, Lenoir-Rhyne broke a 5-5 tie with six straight points and did not look back from there.  The Bears, who cruised to game two and three victories after taking large early leads, were paced by junior middle blocker Angela Danley with a team-high nine kills and six blocks while sophomore middle blocker Kathryn Phillips finished with seven kills and six blocks.

Jessica Lipsi (Columbia, S.C.) and Cara Coleman (Allentown, Pa.) recorded seven kills each, trailed by Kristin Pulone (Diamond Bar, Calif.) with six kills.  Lipsi added ten digs, as did libero Kelly Harting (Van Wert, Ohio).

Newberry will be back in the friendly confines of Eleazer Arena Tuesday night against Wingate at  7 p.m.  The first 150 fans through the doors will receive Newberry College volleyball T-shirts.  The Lady Indians' match with Mars Hill was postponed due to inclement weather conditions in western North Carolina.