NEWBERRY, S.C. - For the first time in nearly 18 years, the Newberry College Lady Indians volleyball team defeated the Presbyterian College Blue Hose, 3-1 (30-21, 27-30, 30-22, 30-23). Tuesday’s win at Eleazer Arena was the first defeat of Presbyterian since a 2-1 victory in 1988 for the Lady Indians.

Newberry (2-6) wasted no time jumping on Presbyterian (5-3) early, staking head coach Dr. Gylton Da Matta’s squad to a 11-1 lead in the first game. Keeping the momentum from a wonderful start, the Lady Indians churned out a nine point victory to edge the Blue Hose, 30-21.

The second game proved to be a test for Newberry as each team traded blows. Presbyterian pulled away just enough to secure a game two triumph by a margin of just three points despite eight attacking errors.

After the break between games two and three, the scarlet and gray feasted off a modest, but ruckus crowd of 220 fans. Games three and four were controlled by the Lady Indians, which was indicative in the serving game. Though Newberry committed 18 errors on the serve, the Lady Indians recorded 15 service aces in the match including six from senior Jessica Lipsi.

Conversely, the Blue Hose were only able to muster five aces with three coming from stand out hitter Lauren Mason. Newberry took the final two games by scores of 30-22 and 30-23. 

For the second time in three matches the Lady Indians had four players record double digits in kills. Leading the way was freshman Lorena Maia. The native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil garnered 18 kills in 45 total attacks, upping her team leading season total to 76. Fellow Brazilian Lipsi chipped in 12 kills, six digs, and three assists to go along with her prowess on the serve.

Juniors Cara Coleman and Laurie Barman contributed steady all-around performances combining for 23 kills and accounting for five blocks. Junior libero Christy Stegall snuffed out Blue Hose attacks all night recording 24 digs. 

Slipping into a comfortable role as setter, freshman Kilee Ruppe had an impressive home debut.  With perfect sets throughout the evening, Ruppe racked up 36 assists.  The setter from Spartanburg showed her maturity catching the Blue Hose by surprise with deft and timely kills.

Though the Lady Indians will celebrate breaking a losing streak that spanned two decades, Dr. Da Matta and his team have Division I Charleston Southern looming this weekend for a two match set in Charleston on September 9.  The Lady Indians' next home match is September 15 at 6 p.m. versus Catawba College.