Top-seeded Flagler College rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat No. 5 Lander University 3-2 in the semifinal round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Friday night at Flagler Gymnasium, the Peach Belt Conference reported.
The Saints secured the victory with set scores of 22-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-11, and 15-12.
The win advances Flagler to the conference championship match for the third consecutive season.
“When it comes to tournament time, records and past games just don’t matter,” Jeff Reynolds said.
Reynolds pointed to Lander’s previous performance against Augusta as evidence of the tough matchup.
He credited the Bearcats for executing a solid game plan throughout the contest.
“I’m proud of the way our team came together in that third set and turned things around to complete the reverse sweep,” Reynolds told the Peach Belt Conference.
Marley Middlebrooks led the Saints with 24 kills and 16 digs, recording her 22nd double-double of the season. She added one ace and one block assist to finish with 25.5 points.
Katherine Rank contributed a season-high 16 kills while hitting .414, alongside one solo block and one block assist for 17.5 points. Gia Lowe posted her second double-double with 14 kills, 14 digs, and a .265 hitting percentage.
Gracie Fleming added 11 kills on a .360 hitting clip with two block assists and three digs.
Jilly Young directed the Flagler offense with 49 assists and 16 digs, marking her sixth double-double of the year. On the defensive end, Amelia Fitzpatrick anchored the back row with a team-high 19 digs, while Emmi Cheek contributed 18 digs and one assist. Caity Clancy rounded out the defensive effort with 12 digs and three serves.
Lander jumped ahead early in the opening set after Flagler took a 6-3 lead. The Bearcats fought back to tie the score at 10-10 and used a late run to build a 21-17 advantage.
The Saints cut the deficit to 21-20, but Lander closed the set by scoring four of the final six points to win 25-22.
The Bearcats maintained their momentum in the second set, claiming an early 7-5 lead.
Flagler responded by taking an 11-8 advantage, but both teams traded points before Lander pulled away again. Trailing 21-17, the Saints mounted another late charge, though a kill from Gracelyn America secured a 25-22 victory and a two-set lead for the visitors.
Flagler seized control in the third set by establishing a 4-1 lead and finding an efficient offensive rhythm. The Saints tallied 17 kills with just two attack errors to hit .405 in the set, pulling away for a 25-17 win.
The fourth set showcased dominant play from the home side.
Flagler recorded 13 kills on a .385 hitting percentage while holding Lander to five kills, cruising to a 25-11 win to level the match.
In the deciding fifth set, the Saints raced to a 4-0 advantage and pushed their lead to 14-3 through strong serving and precise execution. Lander mounted a late response, but Middlebrooks delivered the final kill to seal the 15-12 set win and complete the comeback.
Flagler enters the final match with a 27-3 overall record and a 15-0 mark in conference play, while Lander finishes its tournament run at 8-20 overall and 4-11 in the Peach Belt Conference.
The top-seeded Saints advance to face the No. 2 USCA Pacers for the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Championship. The title match is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Flagler Gymnasium.
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