FLORENCE, S.C. – The University of West Alabama opened the second day of the Francis Marion Invitational with a 3-1 victory over North Greenville University on Saturday. The Tigers later fell to Francis Marion in the final match 3-1.

West Alabama moves to 2-5 overall on the season. Francis Marion improves to 6-2, while North Greenville drops to 4-3.

The Tigers fell to North Greenville 25-14 in the first set of the day, but bounced back to take the following three sets 25-19, 26-24 and 25-13. UWA combined to hit a .173 attack percentage, while the Crusaders were held to .089.

West Alabama especially dominated in the fourth set, hitting .429 and holding NGU to -.172. Yanesha Johnson and Briana Sandifer led the offense with 11 kills each. Sandifer went on to add her third double-double of the year with 17 digs.

Sandifer and Jaime Lancellot also led the blocking effort as each tallied a season high. Lancellot posted 10 block assists and Sandifer totaled seven assists. Callie Murphy and Sam Burgess continued to split time supporting the attack as in the first day of the tournament, combining with 46 assists.

Yomi Adeyeye was the best attacker for North Greenville with 10 kills in 39 attempts.

The Tigers responded in the second set against Francis Marion by winning 28-26, following a 25-20 loss in the first set. The Patriots took the last two sets 27-25 and 25-10.

FMU hit .308 in the match, while UWA combined for .153. Caroline Boone led the Patriots with 16 kills and Briana Sandifer, again, led the Tigers with 13 kills.

Hernandez continued to lead West Alabama in digs with 22. Callie Murphy finished with 60 total assists on the day, with 34 in match two.

West Alabama volleyball will open its home season, as well as Gulf South Conference schedule, against in-state rival North Alabama on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.