GRANITEVILLE, S.C. --- Mississippi College participated in the Peach Belt Conference-Gulf South Conference Crossover, competing against Lander University and the University of South Carolina-Aiken. The Choctaws rallied to top Lander in a thrilling five-set match before falling to USC-Aiken in straight sets. MC moved to 3-6 on the season.

In the match against Lander, MC rallied to clinch a 3-2 victory, winning the decisive fifth set 15-10. Felicity Pratt was instrumental, posting 15 kills and 13 digs, while Rhaia Davey contributed 12 kills at a .545 hitting percentage and three total blocks. Samarin Kipple, the reigning Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, excelled defensively with 25 digs and five service aces. Reese Regner facilitated the offense with 30 assists.

The first set saw MC start strong, capitalizing on early attack errors by Lander to take a 2-0 lead. Pratt delivered a kill to reclaim a 3-2 advantage, but the Bearcats pulled ahead, winning the set 25-19. In the second set, Mississippi College maintained a strong lead, highlighted by kills from Pratt and Mary Grace Foster, ultimately winning 25-22 thanks to a service ace by Kipple.

The third set was challenging, with Lander pulling ahead to a commanding 15-8 lead despite late efforts from Davey. They clinched the set 25-17. However, MC bounced back in the fourth set, with crucial contributions from Pratt and Davey leading to a 25-21 victory. The fifth set was tightly contested, but MC took control with a 3-0 run, eventually closing it out 15-10.

In their match against USCA, Mississippi College fell in straight sets. Rhaia Davey continued to shine, recording 10 kills with a .667 hitting percentage, while Reese Regner was pivotal in setting, accumulating 19 assists and 12 digs. Felicity Pratt contributed with seven kills and two service aces, while Kipple made a defensive impact with 16 digs.

The first set began with MC taking the initial point, but the Pacers quickly gained momentum, leading to a 25-15 victory for USC-Aiken. The second set was tightly contested, with MC starting strong but ultimately losing 26-24 after a late surge by the Pacers. The third set opened with MC taking an early lead, but despite a valiant effort that included two service aces from Pratt, they fell 26-24 due to late-game heroics from USC-Aiken.

Looking ahead, Mississippi College will face Augusta University on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Aiken, S.C. The match is set to begin at noon.