Despite double-digit kill efforts from four players, FMU dropped a narrow four-set decision (25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 27- 25) to conference-leading Flagler College on Oct. 15 in Peach Belt Conference (PBC) women’s volleyball action.

Earlier in the day, Armstrong State University defeated UNC Pembroke 25-23, 25-17, 26-24 as part of the two-day PBC event in the Smith University Center.

FMU dropped to 11-7 overall and 5-4 in the PBC, while the 10-4 Flagler Saints remain the only unbeaten squad left in the PBC at 6-0.

Flagler erased an 11-9 deficit with four straight points and would not trail again in taking the first set 25-21. Like the opening set, the second set also featured nine ties, the last at 22-22. A bad set by the Saints gave FMU the lead, and freshman libero Natalie Vaughn followed with a service ace and Carlie Smith a kill to knot the contest heading into the intermission.

The third set featured 13 ties and four lead changes. However, five straight Patriot attack errors gave Flagler a 23-20 advantage they would not relinquish. Senior middle blocker Caroline Boone tallied seven of her kills in the third set.

The fourth set was back-and-forth, but consecutive attack errors by FMU accounted for the final two Flagler points in a marathon 27-25 clinching victory.

Boone paced FMU with 15 kills, while both senior Smith and junior Erika Hartings tallied 11 kills and sophomore Georgia Garrison tallied 10. Smith also led the Patriots with four blocks. Garrison added 15 digs.

Vaughn dug up a career-high 20 balls and served five aces, while sophomore setter Carrie McGinnis registered 47 assists on 136 attempts. Sara Davis led a quartet of Saints in double figures for kills with 13. Setter Tara Savisky handed out 39 assists and dug up 12 balls.