Hickory, N.C. – The Mars Hill Volleyball Team (4-8, 3-6) handed Lenoir-Rhyne (7-5, 4-3) its third consecutive loss, 3-1, in a South Atlantic Conference match Tuesday evening at Shuford Memorial Gymnasium.

The Lions defeated the Bears by scores of 26-24, 21-25, 25-17 and 25-11 while winning their third straight contest.

Mars Hill was led by Lauren Hochstetler (Sarasota, Fla.) with a match-high 16 kills and 15 digs while Maddie Spurgeon (Waxhaw, N.C.) added 11 kills in the victory.  Sara Pasour (Bessemer City, N.C.) added 27 assists and nine digs for the Lions, who totaled seven service aces in the match.

Lenoir-Rhyne was led by freshman outside hitter Taylor Prall (Tipp City, Ohio) with 11 kills while freshman setter Maggie Bogart (Shawnee, Kan.) and junior defensive specialist Bailey Cloninger (Hickory, N.C.) added 20 and 15 digs, respectively, in the setback.  LR had 11 blocks but was hurt by nine service errors.

Lenoir-Rhyne hits the road to take on Newberry in Newberry, S.C., on Friday at 7:00 p.m., while Mars Hill faces Anderson on the road Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., in Anderson, S.C.