ANDERSON, S.C. - The Anderson University volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to make its 2011 home debut a successful one by downing Newberry, 3-2 (6-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-12) in South Atlantic Conference action Wednesday night at the Abney Athletic Center.

"The team fought hard after a disappointing start," said Anderson head coach Craig Mosqueda. "The team responded following a lineup change and everyone came alive and just refused to lose. I'm very proud of this team."

Anderson (1-4, 1-0 SAC) has now claimed three straight past Newberry (3-2, 0-1 SAC) after sweeping the Wolves last season.

Newberry grabbed an early 6-1 lead in the opening set behind the serving of senior Lindsey Hollingsworth and the Trojans never recovered, as the Wolves opened a double-digit lead midway through the set en route to comfortably claiming the first frame.

The opening set was not indicative of the rest of the contest, however, as the Trojans took an early advantage in the second set, which featured seven ties. Newberry snapped a 13-13 tie and built a late four-point lead to earn the win.

Anderson battled to a lead in both the third and fourth frames and held off late rallies by Newberry to even the match at two sets apiece. The Trojans jumped on top early in the final set and went on to build a late lead to earn the five-set victory.

Newberry's Samantha Parrish recorded a match-high 20 kills, while the Wolves' Blair Browning and Chelsea Mayor each handed out a team-best 22 assists and Hollingsworth posted a match-high 27 digs.

AU freshman outside hitter Shannon Gillespie recorded her first career double-double with a team-high 15 kills and 14 digs, while freshman Meghan Cautero dished out an impressive 46 assists on the night. Alix Hooker led AU with 24 digs, while junior Tiffany Rowe posted seven blocks on the night. The defensive effort moved the Myrtle Beach, S.C., native into a tie for ninth place all-time on AU's career blocks list, equaling former Trojan standout Jamie Lancaster's total of 160.

Anderson returns to the court on Friday when the Trojans square off against Coker at 5 p.m. in the opening round of the USC Aiken Invitational. AU faces the host Pacers at 7 p.m.