FLORENCE, S.C. - Augusta State defeated Francis Marion 3-1 on Saturday in Peach Belt Conference action in Florence, S.C.

With the win, the Jaguars improved to 21-10 overall and 8-5 in the conference, while the Patriots dropped to 11-16 on the season and 3-8 in the PBC.

Senior Jessica Howard paced the Jags with 18 kills and five total blocks. Also aiding in the win was sophomore Lagi Roberts, who tallied nine kills and 19 digs. Sophomore setter Ashley Zappitell posted a double-double with 42 assists and 12 digs. Senior Lindsey Weider registered 16 digs and had two service aces. Sophomore Jessica Hanson added seven kills, while junior Diana Meyer notched 16 digs.

For Francis Marion, sophomore Amanda Mitchell led the team with 15 kills. Sophomore Ashlyn Underhill had 13 kills and 14 digs, while junior Mallory Eggert added 10 kills and five blocks. Senior setter Jess O'Leary, playing her final home match for FMU, handed out a season-high 43 assists and dug up 14 balls, while senior middle blocker Caitlin Simpson tallied five kills and three blocks.

The Jags return to play on Wednesday, Nov. 4, when the Jaguar Volleyball squad closes out its regular-season home schedule against USC Aiken in a key Peach Belt Conference matchup in Christenberry Fieldhouse at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday's contest is also Senior Night, for the Jaguar Volleyball program's three seniors, Jessica Howard, the school's career leader in kills, along with Emily Joye and Lindsey Weider.

Augusta State def. Francis Marion, 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 14-25, 25-16)