AIKEN, S.C. - The sixth-seeded Lander Bearcats defeated the third-seeded Augusta State Jaguars, 3-2, in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament held in the USC Aiken Convocation Center in Aiken, S.C. The Jaguars fell to 22-12 on the season, while Lander improved to 18-14 on the year.

Senior Jessica Howard paced the Jags with 20 kills and booked five total blocks. Sophomore Lagi Roberts posted a double-double with 10 kills and 15 digs, while freshman Mandy Irizarry notched 10 kills. Senior Lindsey Weider booked 23 digs, and junior Dianna Meyer had 12 digs. Sophomore setter Ashley Zappitell booked a double-double with 43 assists and 14 digs. Junior Tarah Childress added seven kills and 12 digs.

Melissa McCracken led the Bearcats with a double-double, including 21 kills and 22 digs. Kendall Eayrs notched 17 kills, while Magi Nottingham added 16 kills and 13 digs. Ashley Ferry posted a match-high 36 digs, and setter Candace LaRocca had a match-high 56 assists.

Lander will take on No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic State in round two of the PBC Tournament, tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.

Lander def. Augusta State, 3-2 (25-20, 25-23, 25-27, 21-25, 15-8)