GREENWOOD, S.C. – The UNC Pembroke volleyball team's third set comeback attempt was not enough as the Lander Bearcats turned back the visiting Lady Braves in four sets, 25-11, 25-20, 22-25 and 25-16 on Friday night at the Horne Arena.

The Lady Braves (6-7, 0-2 PBC) were led by Sabrina Gonzalez who recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 13 kills and 15 digs. Sarah Bower added 11 kills, while Caroline Pridgen contributed 10 kills for the UNCP offense. Shekinah-Joy Toloumu once again worked to distribute the ball, dishing out 42 assists and also collecting 10 digs, for her fourth double-double. Danielle Brown and Marissa Baker controlled the defense, tallying 21 digs and 11 digs, respectively.

Lander (8-2, 1-1) got a double-double out of Julia Ferreira-Alyes, who totaled 13 kils and 14 digs, while Tarryn Angermeier added another 13 kills to the Bearcats' offense. 

"We lacked intensity and heart starting the match. We were able to pick it up in set three, but lost it once again in the fourth set," said UNCP head coach Angie Byrd. "We have to start strong and finish strong every game."

The Bearcats never trailed UNCP in the first set, taking a 3-0 advantage early on with the help of strong serving from Jessica Register. The Lady Braves were not able to get much going offensively in the first set and were held to just nine kills. In the second set UNCP kept things close in the beginning, but a six-point run from Angermeier would give Lander a 14-7 advantage. Baker helped the Black and Gold cut the deficit to just two points after a 5-0 run, but Lander ultimately took set point and a 2-0 advantage heading into the third set.

In set number three the Lady Braves controlled the tempo in the beginning and led by as much as six, 17-11. Lander made a comeback however after Kiki Hennessey sparked a six-point run to give the Bearcats an 18-17 lead. UNCP regained its composure and was able to close out the set with back-to-back kills from Pridgen and Cecilia Brandon, earning set point. 

Lander stopped UNCP's comeback attempt in the fourth set, as Register brought the Bearcats to match point after serving five-consecutive points. Bower kept the Black and Gold in the match, forcing Lander to take five different match point attempts. The Bearcats prevailed, taking the match on a service error.

UNCP will be back in action tomorrow for another PBC-road match against USC Aiken (6-4, 1-1) at 2 p.m. inside of the Convocation Center.