GAFFNEY, S.C. - The Newberry College volleyball team arrived at the Timken Gym ready to play, and it was apparent in the scarlet and gray's performance. The team played strongly and was able to knock off both of its opponents without losing a set.

In the first match of the evening, Newberry faced off against Pfeiffer. The two teams shared a 2-2 record entering the match. Each set was both close and hard fought, but Newberry found ways to win the key points and defeat the Falcons by scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 25-23.

Lorena Maia (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) led the way for Newberry with a stellar offensive performance. The senior and preseason all-SAC honoree racked up 14 kills on 26 total attempts with only 2 errors. Junior Brianna Blakely (Houston, Texas) displayed her setting ability once again on her way to 24 assists.

Defensively the team was led by Kember Lichtie (Amarillo, Texas) with 13 digs. Fernanda Frey (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Lindsey Hollingsworth (Charleston, S.C.) each contributed 10 digs as well. The win improved Newberry to 3-2 on the season.

Newberry followed up the winning performance with a dominant effort in the second match against North Greenville. Newberry entered the match with a 13-match winning streak dating back to 1987 against the Crusaders on the line.

The scarlet and gray achieved consistency and cohesion en route to victory, posting a team hitting percentage of .363. Frey paced the team with 11 kills and Maia added 9. Freshman setter Blair Browning (New Lexington, Ohio) displayed her potential with a team-leading 22 assists. Blakely had 17 assists as well. Newberry's ability to function as a team will prove to be vital as the season progresses.

Friday's wins improved Newberry's season record to 4-2. The team continues action in the Limestone Labor Day Tournament on Saturday with two more matches. They will face off against Limestone at 11 a.m. and Coker College at 1 p.m.

Pfeiffer box score

North Greenville box score