Florence, S.C. - The Augusta University Volleyball team dropped a conference match to the Francis Marion Patriots 3-2 tonight. The Jags fall to 21-8 overall are now 5-4 in Peach Belt Contests. The Patriots improve to 17-13 on the year and have a 4-6 mark in conference contests.

Augusta took the first set 25-21 before dropping the second set 25-18. The Patriots would also take the third set by a narrow margin of 28-26. The Jaguars forced a fifth set by winning the fourth set 25-20, but the comeback fell short as Augusta dropped the deciding set 15-9.

As a team, the Jaguars hit a respectable .216 on the night and managed 60 kills. The Patriots were able to put up 62 kills and hit for .248 on the evening to outdo the Jags. Augusta Managed an impressive 12 service aces to Francis Marion's three, and managed to nearly match them in blocking.

Augusta was led by Chloe Allen's 16 kills and four services aces in the contest. Nicolette Ramos picked up 12 Kills in the contest, while Kylie Martin and Madison Malloch each earned 11. Jessica Hedrick had the top hitting percentage at .462, followed by Allen's 375. The assists leader for Augusta was Payton Murchie who dished out 30 on the evening.

Defensively for the Jaguars, Holland Martin picked up a team leading 20 digs, while K. Martin managed 15, securing another double-double in the process. Hedrick also had the most blocks for Augusta ash she stuffed five for the event.  

The Jaguars will be back in action tomorrow when the take on the UNC Pembroke Braves in Pembroke, N.C. at 2:00 p.m.