The Francis Marion University volleyball team achieved a split on Saturday, September 5, at the Tampa Volleyball Classic, securing a notable 3-0 sweep against the 17th-ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis. This victory for the Patriots, with set scores of 25-16, 25-23, and 25-19, marks an early highlight in their 2026 season.
Earlier in the tournament, Francis Marion faced a 3-0 loss to the host team, the fourth-ranked University of Tampa Spartans, with set scores of 14-25, 16-25, and 22-25. The Spartans, who were 2025 national semifinalists and reigning South Regional Champions, demonstrated a powerful offense with 46 kills on a .374 hitting percentage, limiting the Patriots to a season-low 21 kills and three blocks.
Against the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a team that reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament and won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament Championship, Francis Marion showcased a strong all-around performance. The Patriots recorded 53 digs, seven service aces, and five blocks. Senior opposite hitter Camryn Faggart led the offense with 13 kills and an impressive .440 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Madilyn Gartner contributed eight kills, two assists, and nine digs, while sophomore setter Aubrey Johnson directed the offense with 26 assists, nine digs, three blocks, and two kills.
Defensively, freshman libero Alyssa Whiteside was a standout, registering a game-high 14 digs, along with two aces and two assists in the upset win. Johnson and Gartner each added nine digs, and sophomore outside hitter Haleigh Kamer tallied seven digs. Graduate student middle blocker Vanessa Blake recorded four blocks at the net.
Following these matches, Francis Marion holds a 3-2 record for the early part of the 2026 season. The team is scheduled to continue play in Florida with two more matches on Sunday, September 6. They will first compete against Florida Southern College at 11 a.m., followed by a match against Oklahoma Baptist University at 4 p.m.
