Hickory, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne University Volleyball Team (4-2, 1-0) opened up South Atlantic Conference play with a 3-0 sweep of Tusculum (3-4, 1-2) Friday evening at Shuford Memorial Gymnasium.

Lenoir-Rhyne won by scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-22 and increased its winning streak to three matches.  

The Bears were led by senior outside hitter Brooke Redmond (Statesville, N.C.) with 11 kills while freshman setter Maggie Bogart (Shawnee, Kan.) added eight kills and 17 assists in the victory.

Sophomore defensive specialist Anna Smith (Statesville, N.C.) finished with 20 assists for the Bears, who also tallied six service aces.

For Tusculum, Cassie Born (Horse Shoe, N.C.) totaled a match-high 12 kills and Shannon Murphy (Tinley Park, Ill.) tallied 30 assists but the Pioneers hit just .132 for the match.

Lenoir-Rhyne remains at home to face rival Catawba in a league contest Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., while Tusculum faces Catawba on the road Saturday beginning at 2:00 p.m.