Mars Hill downed by Newberry on road

NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (4-4, 4-4 SAC) was swept by Newberry (4-3, 4-3 SAC), 3-0, Friday evening on the road.

The Wolves hit a game-high .317 in the first set, knocking down 17 kills on 41 attempts.  Mars Hill hit .024 in the opening stanza.  The Lions led 9-8 before the Wolves went on a 6-2 run to build a gap they would not relinquish.  Up 16-14, Newberry reeled off five straight points with two kills from Natasha Bannister.

Tied at seven in the second set, Newberry's offense shined, taking seven of the next eight points with Bannister knocking down three kills in the process.  Mars Hill battled late in the frame to cut the deficit to three, but Newberry held on, taking the second set, 25-19.

Mars Hill led 7-5 early in the third set, but the Wolves struck with four straight points.  Newberry maintained the lead for the remainder of the set, however, the Lions closed the gap to one point on four separate occasions.

Bannister led all players with 20 kills, adding five block assists.  Zoe Dinkins added six kills and five block assists.

Sarah Goddard led the Lions with eight kills followed by Lauren Phillips' seven.  Ully Martins led all players with 22 digs while Sara Pasour recorded a team-high 20 assists.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, April 3 when they face Coker on the road.  First serve is set for 2 p.m.