Hickory, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Volleyball Team (1-3, 0-1) suffered a 3-2 loss to Catawba (2-3, 1-0) in the South Atlantic Conference opener Tuesday night at Shuford Memorial Gymnasium.

The Indians downed the Bears by scores of 18-25, 25-23, 25-27, 25-23 and 15-6 as they rallied with victories in the fourth and fifth sets.

Catawba's McKenzie Garrison (Newton, N.C.) and Alex Hopper (Madison, N.C.) both finished with 19 kills each while Rachel Stanford (Mechanicsville, Va.) added 66 assists – ninth-best in school history – and 10 digs in the victory.

Lenoir-Rhyne, which fell in its home opener, was led by junior outside hitter Brooke Redmond (Statesville, N.C.) with a match-high 20 kills while senior right side hitter Brandi Thomas (Wilmington, N.C.) finished with 17 kills in the losing effort. 

Lenoir-Rhyne freshman defensive specialist Anna Smith (Harmony, N.C.) added 28 assists and 16 digs but the Bears couldn't hold a 2-1 advantage.

Catawba also totaled 75 kills on the night with four players in double figures in kills in pulling off the upset victory.

Lenoir-Rhyne travels to Aiken, S.C., to take on Montevallo (1:00 p.m.) and Lander (5:00 p.m.) on Friday in the USC Aiken Invitational.  Catawba travels to Brevard, N.C., to face Brevard on Friday at 7:00 p.m., in a South Atlantic Conference contest.