Charlotte, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Volleyball Team (1-0) picked up where the squad left off last year by downing Francis Marion (0-2), 3-0, Friday evening at the Queens Fall Invitational at Curry Arena.

The Bears defeated the Patriots by scores of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-22 in the 2016 season opener.  Lenoir-Rhyne's first match of the day against Augusta University was cancelled.

Lenoir-Rhyne, last year's South Atlantic Conference Tournament Champions and NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Finalists, was led by junior outside hitter Brooke Redmond (Statesville, N.C.) with 14 kills while senior right side hitter Brandi Thomas (Wilmington, N.C.) added a double-double – 10 kills and 16 digs – as the Bears swept the Patriots.

For Francis Marion, Caroline Boone (Roanoke, Va.) had a match-high 17 kills while Shelbi Meek (Springtown, Texas) added 20 digs in the losing effort.  The Patriots also hit just .056 for the match.

Lenoir-Rhyne senior setter Serina Nickle (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added 15 assists and six digs as the Bears finished with 11 blocks as a team in the win.

On the final day of the tournament on Saturday, Lenoir-Rhyne takes on Lander (10:30 a.m.) and USC Aiken (12:45 p.m.).