CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Lincoln Memorial University beach volleyball program got out to a tough start but followed up with a sweeping win as they split day one at the Truett McConnell Tournament, falling to Erskine in five sets, 4-1, and sweeping Spartanburg Methodist College, 5-0.
 
Match 1 – Erskine 4, LMU 1
 
The Lady Railsplitters fell to the Flying Fleet on Friday afternoon. Senior Sevgi Koyuncu and freshman Katie Bedel were the lone duo to secure a point for LMU in the loss to Erskine. The pair captured a three-set win in the #4 spot over Allison Carter and Kalie Tuslamatele (21-11, 20-22, 15-8).
 
Senior Gabriela Abreu and freshman Lydia Thurman battled to three sets against Emily Gilbert and Mallory Carter but fell in extra points in the third set (13-21, 21-16, 14-16). Upperclassmen pair of Emma Walter and Emma Winford also took their opposing duo to three sets in their first appearances on the year.
 
Match 2 – LMU 6, Spartanburg Methodist 0
 
Lincoln Memorial swept the Pioneers in game two of the day. The Lady Railsplitters swept each point en route to the win.
 
"SMC was just an all-out hustle match," said coach Lucy Pennington-Russell. "We talked a lot after the first game about keep intensity no matter the score. The girls were able to really rally around each other and their partners. Something we improved on after Erskine was executing shots. Especially Katherine and Sevgi. Both came out of the gates full go. The girls really pushed their shots today and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better finish to the day."
 
Up Next
 
The Lady Railsplitters will stay in Georgia for two more matches at the Truett McConnell Tournament beginning with Bob Jones University at 11:00 a.m. EST.