JACKSON, Miss. - The Rhodes women's volleyball team picked up their first two victories of the season by beating Philander Smith College and Belhaven University in back to back matches, in four sets each.  
 
The team began their day against the Philander Smith College Panthers.  The Lynx jumped out to an early lead in set one and never looked back.  The second set contained much of the same for the Lynx, as they took the set without too much trouble.  The Panthers came out strong in the third set and after a long back and forth, the Panthers were able to steal the set.  However, the Lynx would not be deterred and grinded out a fourth set win to take the match 3-1.
 
"We had really strong mental toughness throughout the entire day," said head coach Kait Harris. "I'm very happy with our first day of 2014."
 
Without any rest the Lynx faced the Belhaven University Blazers in the next set. The Lynx came out strong again against the Blazers and quickly were up 2-0 in sets.  The Blazers refused to be shut out in their own gym as the came out in set three with an energy that they Lynx were not prepared to match.  
 
Set three was back an fourth until Belhaven gained the serve at 14-14, where they took control of the set and ran away with it.  The beginning of set four was much of the same where the Blazers were in control until the Lynx fought back to a tie at 23-23.  With a block by junior Leah Washburn and an ace by freshman Elasha Williams the match was won and the Lynx moved to 2-0 on the season.  
 
?"I'm pleased with the newcomers on our roster, with all four of our freshmen playing well today," said Harris. "Not only did we have solid play from our first-years, but our captains did a great job of leading us all day." 
 
Rhodes is back in action on August 30 against Southern University at New Orleans at 1 p.m. and Millsaps College at 3 p.m. in Jackson, Miss.