FLORENCE, S.C. – The Lady Braves opened up Peach Belt Conference play on Saturday as they fell in three sets, 25-21, 25-15 and 25-12, to Francis Marion at the Smith University Center. 

UNCP (5-9, 0-1 PBC) was led by senior Shay Peterson who had a team-best 10 kills and a .304 hitting percentage. Ashlyn Rebok dished out 19 assists and earned the only service ace for the Black and Gold. The Patriots (8-3, 1-0) earned eight services aces and were led by Liz Drewry who slammed 11 kills with a .409 hitting percentage.

Junior Marissa Baker led the Lady Braves on a 5-1 run in the first set while Peterson posted five kills. The Patriots rallied behind Megan Mooney who served four straight points to close out the set.

FMU never trailed UNCP in the second set as the Patriots notched 14 kills for a .367 hitting percentage. In the third set Heather Ciscel served five points in a row to give the Lady Braves a 9-5 lead before the Patriots regrouped and went on a 18-2 run to win the set. During the run Jessica Imbimbo served 14 straight points. 

The Lady Braves will look to regroup on the road as they travel to Aiken, S.C., to take on conference rival USC Aiken (9-5) on Friday.