HICKORY, N.C. - Behind its second-highest hitting percentage of the season, the third-seeded Anderson University volleyball team advanced to the semifinals of the 2014 South Atlantic Conference Tournament with a decisive 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-13) win past No. 6 seed Lincoln Memorial Friday night at Lenoir-Rhyne's Shuford Gymnasium.

"Tonight we played fantastic defense and our offense was incredible," said Anderson head coach Craig Mosqueda. "LMU did mix a few things up in set two and it took us a bit to make the adjustments, but once we did we pushed ahead. I know I usually don't mention individuals but I did want to say that Kelley Lacey did a great job of leading us defensively. Her hustle and energy got us going and sustained us through the match."

Anderson (24-7) defeated the Lady Railsplitters for the second time in less than a week and the third time this season, while advancing to meet second-seeded Carson-Newman, which topped No. 7 seed Mars Hill earlier in the day. The Trojans have won 11 of their last 13 outings, while Lincoln Memorial wrapped up its season at 16-15 overall with its fourth consecutive loss.

AU advanced to the conference tournament semifinals for the second straight year behind a balanced and accurate attack, as the Trojans posted a .411 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Shannon Gillespie narrowly missed her third double-double in the last four matches with a team-high 13 kills, while tallying nine digs. Fellow senior Hailey Pittman added 12 kills, with freshman Marissa Mitter posting 11 kills on a season-high .647 hitting percentage and chipping in three block assists. Sophomore Priscilla Irizarry handed out 41 assists and came up with nine digs, just missing her 16th double-double of the season. Seniors Alix Hooker and Kelley Lacey each posted 10 digs, with Taylor Underwood adding nine digs. Sophomore Jessica Harris recorded a match-high seven total blocks on the night.

Anderson will meet Carson-Newman in Saturday's second semifinal contest, with first-serve slated for 7:30 p.m. at Shuford Gymnasium.