ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (8-6) showed their toughness tonight with team took a hard-fought five-set win over the Young Harris Mountain Lions (3-14). After taking some impressive wins in the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-23 in the first two sets, but took a part of losses in the third and fourth sets, 14-25, and 31-33 in the third and fourth sets respectively. The Lady Panthers were able to close the match by pulling away for an 18-16 win in the deciding set of the match.
 
The Lady Panthers looked to their stellar defense to claim the match win as the team struggled to find their way offensively in the match. Leading the way for the Lady Panthers was junior outside hitter Simone Newell who recorded a double-double with 12 kills and a team-high 23 digs in the match.  The team also had a great day at the net with 24 total blocks (two solo). Freshman middle blocker Taneja Robinson led the way with eight total blocks (two solo). Junior Mya Broom added five total blocks (none solo) with freshman Kailyn Glover adding five total blocks (none solo) of her own. Sophomore outside hitter Danielle Branch added 12 kills of her own. Senior setter Erin Preston coordinated the effort with a team-high 21 assists in the match.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 8-6 overall and claim their second straight victory. The Lady Panthers will head to Petersburg, Virginia to take part in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Round Up. The team will take on the Lincoln (Pa.) Lady Lions and the Elizabeth City State Vikings on Saturday before taking on the host Virginia State Trojans on Sunday morning.
 
For more information on Lady Panthers volleyball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.