FLORENCE, S.C. – The Erskine Flying Fleet used a solid 47 kills and .268 hitting percentage in delivering the UNCP Lady Braves their first loss of the season on Friday at the Francis Marion University Invite in Florence, S.C., behind game scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-18.

The Lady Braves (1-1) struggled to move around on the court as the Flying Fleet (1-1) remained relentless at the net throughout the entire match. Erskine took the first lead of game one and only allowed UNCP to tie the score three times in posting a 17-to-7 kill tally in the game one victory.

The Flying Fleet began game two by getting on the board first but the lead changed twice and was tied five times. Newcomers Hannah Hill and Ashlyn Rebok used a kill and service ace, respectively, to bring the team to within one point at 23-22, but Erskine was able to hold the lead and take the win in game two. 

Erskine controlled the lead from start to finish in game three to take the set and match victory

Senior Rebecca Morgan led the team with six kills while Hannah Hill added five. Sophomore Marissa Baker gathered a team-high 13 digs while Rebok dished out 16 assists and recorded three aces. Chelsea Phillips and Megan Gallimore each had three block assists to lead the UNCP defensive front.

Erskine's Sandra Campbell led the team with 13 kills while Larz Chabra tallied 34 assists and Brooke Dodge totaled 18 digs.

"Erskine played well and we struggled through the game," said UNCP head coach Jeff Billington. "It is early in the season and we still need to figure a few thing out before we get further into the season."

The Lady Braves continue play on Saturday at the Francis Marion University Invite as the team takes on region rival Newberry at 3 p.m. in the Smith University Center in Florence, S.C.