GREENWOOD, S.C. – Carson-Newman volleyball dropped a non-conference road contest against Lander on Thursday night.

Carson-Newman (12-6, 8-2 SAC) fell in straight sets on Thursday night to Peach Belt foe Lander (10-3, 1-0 PBC) after the Bearcats hit .247, tied for the second-highest hitting percentage against the Eagles this season.

Bennett McCombs (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) shined individually with 20 digs and four assists, while setter Blair Cherry (Knoxville, Tenn.) collected 27 assists. Maddie Hurst (Blaine, Tenn.) led the team in kills with nine and led in blocks with a solo and three assisted blocks.

Carson-Newman has dropped three of its last four matches and looks to turn things around when it resumes conference play on Tuesday against Newberry. The Eagles have one more non-conference match in the regular season against Lees-McRae at Holt Fieldhouse next weekend.

First Set (25-21, LU) – Carson-Newman kept it close through 11 points before Lander went on a 5-0 run to take the lead in the set and never gave it back while hitting .296. Five service aces aided Lander in the frame to take the first set on its home court.

Second Set (25-16, LU) – Lander ran out to an early lead and never looked back, never allowing the Eagles to hold the advantage. Bearcats outside hitter Blondie Penaflor connected four times in the set on five attacks.

Third Set (25-22, LU) – The Eagles started to solve the Bearcats defensively, holding Lander to its lowest percentage on the night, but it was too late. The Eagles got the set within a point but couldn't finish the job as Lander scored three of the match's final four points to put it away.

Carson-Newman has one more match in the Palmetto State on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. against Newberry to resume SAC play. To keep up with Carson-Newman volleyball, follow us on social media @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram or Facebook by following Carson-Newman Athletics.