DAYTONA, Fla.– Drury ended their season-opening trip with a pair of losses as the Panthers fell to Emmanuel (Ga.) 3-1 and at Embry-Riddle 3-0 in the Bahama House Labor Day Classic on Saturday.
 
Drury took a set from Emmanuel but fell to the Lions 3-1 in their first match of the day. After Emmanuel took the first two sets, the Panthers claimed the third 25-22. The Lions, who finished 24-8 and 17-1 in Conference Carolinas last year, closed out the match with a 25-19 win in the fourth set.
 
Stormi Tadlock had 11 kills to lead the Panthers, while Kallie Fenske had 20 assists, and Lexi Basler added 16 digs.
 
Ella Johns had 16 kills for Emmanuel.
 
The Panthers concluded the weekend trip against host Embry-Riddle. Drury lost the first set but had a chance to draw even as they led the second set 23-20. The Eagles battled back to take the second 28-26, though and completed the sweep with a 25-22 win in the third set.
 
Drury senior Juliana Squire led Drury with a team-high 10 kills and 11 digs.
 
Embry-Riddle, who was playing their first game of the day, was led by Hunter Ackerman with 13 kills and 10 digs.
 
The Eagles improved to 3-0, and Emmanuel lifted their record to 1-2. Drury returns home 0-4.
 
The Panthers return to action next weekend with four games at the Gorilla Classic hosted by Pittsburg State on Sept. 8-9. Drury takes on host Pittsburg State on Friday at 11:30 am, then will face Arkansas-Fort Smith at 4:30 pm.
 
 
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