FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The women's volleyball team played their home opener on Friday night against conference opponent Lees-McRae. The Lions swept the Bobcats, 3-0. The win moves Emmanuel's record to 3-7 overall and 1-1 in conference. 

The first set began with the Lions taking the early advantage, 7-3. They proceeded to build on their lead until the score was 14-6. The Bobcats rallied to stay in the set, fighting until they got back within two points, 18-16. However, a 7-1 run by the Lions was capped off with a service ace from senior Hallie Richardson and a kill from senior Aleksandra Hamuda to give Emmanuel the set, 25-19. 

The second set was predominantly an even exchange as the teams traded momentum. With the score tied at 22, a kill from Hamuda was followed with an error from the Lions to tie the set at 23. However, a kill from freshman Jocelyn Martin was followed with an error from the Bobcats that gave Emmanuel the set, 25-23. 

The third set continued the back and forth play as the Bobcats fought to extend the match. With the score tied at 17, LMC captured the momentum as they put up four straight points. After a timeout from the Lions, the Bobcats maintained their lead until they got to set point with a large lead, 24-20. However, with Hamuda serving the Lions pieced together a charge of their own. A kill from Hamuda was followed with back-to-back kills for Martin. LMC proceeded to record an error as Emmanuel's dominate play tied the set at 24. Following a timeout from the Bobcats, sophomore Emily Hanson completed the comeback to win the set and sweep the match as she recorded two kills. The Lions won the set, 26-24, and the match, 3-0. 

The Lions were led by Aleksandra Hamuda, who finished with 14 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks, and a hitting percentage of .406. Jocelyn Martin followed with 12 kills, 6 digs and a block. 

Senior Victoria Alexander recorded 17 digs, while sophomore Gabrielle McGlamery had her fourth double-double of the season with 14 digs and 35 assists. Additionally, senior Kaitlyn Henderson finished with 3 service aces. 

Next up, women's volleyball will continue conference play as they host Belmont Abbey on Saturday at 2pm. They will also face Flagler at 5pm in a double header. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.