DUE WEST, SC - The Fleet Women's Volleyball team entered a crucial Conference Carolinas clash with Belmont Abbey with a perfect 4-0 conference record.  However, the Crusaders entered with an unblemished 3-0 conference record as well.  Erskine would eventually overpower Belmont Abbey in a thrilling back and forth match where three of the four sets would be decided by two points.  

The Fleet (7-5 overall, 5-0 CC) would defeat the Crusaders (9-6 overall, 3-1 CC) 3-1 (25-23, 25-27, 25-17, 25-23).  In a match that featured several furious rallies and big points, the Fleet would make the plays when they needed them to put the sets away and win the match.  Coming in to the match, Erskine knew that they would have to contain Belmont Abbey's Hannah Schellenberg who is already a two time Conference Carolinas Player of the Week in women's volleyball.  Schellenberg would end up with 21 kills, but they would come with only a .143 hitting percentage.  Erskine Freshman Payton Duncan complimented the Fleet defense commenting, "We knew we had to slow down #11 (Schellenberg), and our defense played really well".  

Several Fleet players enjoyed huge nights, as represented by the game box score.  As a team, the Fleet would register an impressive .314 hitting percentage, only hitting below .300 in the 2nd set.  Individually, Payton Duncan put on a show with the biggest match of her early career.  She finished with a game and season high 22 kills, but also had 20 digs and 2 blocks.   Marissa Greenough (17, .395 hitting %), Kelly Sullivan (14, .367 hitting %), and Sade Mendez (10) also registered double digit kills for the Fleet.   Mendez also pitched in 9 digs.  Kristen Dodge had another double-double, dishing out a game and season high 62 assists and also 11 digs.  Kendall Kirk also quietly performed well with a game high 27 digs.  

When asked about the key to tonights victory, Coach Vahjen stated, "We went in with a soudn game plan and executed it well.  I am really proud of the way our team played tonight". 

The Fleet are now riding a three game winning streak.  They continue their Conference Carolinas schedule on Friday when they travel to Banner Elk, NC to face Lees-McRae.  Game time is set for 7 pm.