LaGrange, GA -- The Piedmont College volleyball team swept a pair of Great Sotuh Athletic Conference opponents earlier this afternoon to open its league title defense.  After knocking off Salem College in straight sets 3-0 with ease, the Lady Lions battled their way from behind to sweep hosting LaGrange College in three sets as well.

Opening up the conference portion of their 2011 schedule with the Spirits of Salem, the Lady Lions had little trouble disposing of their first GSAC foe winning 25-12, 25-10, and 25-16.  Piedmont outhit the Spirits posting season high hitting percentages both individually and as a team.

Putting up seven kills was senior Rachel Powell while classmate Erin Krause added a half dozen to the offensive effort.  Also putting down six kills was sophomore Ashley Fannon who hit .307 on the match though her hitting percentage was outdone by freshman Jennifer Opper who swung at a .625 pace. 

PC split its assists nearly down the middle yet again with Ashton Nash posting the high of 18 while fellow setter Katheryn Knarr had 17 of her own.  Jessica Hollis performed well defensively with her 18 digs on the match to lead the team.

Against LaGrange, Piedmont had a tougher time snagging a conference victory falling behind in each set played against the hosting Panthers.  However, PC showed its championship pedigree winning a trio of tight sets to claim the overall 3-0 match victory with 25-22, 25-23 and 25-23 winners.

Hollis was Piedmont's defensive leader for the second time on the day earning 22 digs, a season high for the junior out of Flowery Branch, GA.  Nash and Knarr once again split the set assists picking up 12 and 14 respectively. 

Leading at the net was freshman Katie Byrd who put down 11 kills against the Panthers while fellow newcomer Jennifer Opper collected six of her own.  Powell added five more kills for her day in the encore match while junior Hallye Jerkins added four more to the cause.

The Lady Lions move to 13-2 overall bouncing back from just their second loss on the season which came in five sets earlier this week against nationally ranked Emmanuel College.  Piedmont will get back on the court Tuesday, September 27th when the squad travels to Gainesville, GA for a 7:00 pm match against Brenau University.