NEWBERRY, S.C. - Despite early leads of 18-8 and 19-10 in game one versus Francis Marion University, the Newberry College volleyball team fell in three games to the Patriots with game scores of 30-27, 30-11, and 30-8. Though a non-conference match, the Lady Indians dropped to 2-18 on the season.

Francis Marion (17-5) won their eighth straight match in front of a crowd of 292 in fine fashion after the scare in game one. Leading the way for the Patriots was setter Jenna Kaiser. The sophomore tallied 33 assists along with five kills and four digs.

For the Lady Indians, freshman hitter Lorena Maia finished with a team high seven kills despite some nagging injuries. Juniors Laurie Barman and Cara Coleman combined for nine kills. Freshman Niki Hroblak chalked up a solo block and two assits while her sister Dani also chimed in with two assisted blocks.

Freshman setter Kilee Ruppe, also battling some injuries, finished the evening with 14 assists.

The Lady Indians continue a busy schedule this weekend, heading to Salisbury, N.C. Friday night for a 7 p.m. bout with Catawba College and then traveling over to Wingate, N.C. for a Saturday afternoon tilt at 1 p.m. versus conference leading Wingate University.

On Sunday, Newberry hosts Eckerd College with first serve scheduled for 3 p.m.