MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Rhodes volleyball team fell in consecutive matches on Saturday to the Southern University of New Orleans and Millsaps College.
 
The losses set the Lynx at 2-2 on the year, and begin conference play with a 0-1 record.
 
In the first matchup Rhodes played SUNO at Millsaps College.  The Knights came out strong in the beginning and ended up controlling the pace of the game for the rest of the match.  The Lynx fell in straight sets to the scores of 25-12, 25-20 and 25-23.  
 
By the time the Lynx found their footing late in the third set, it was a little too late.  Offensively the Lynx were paced by junior middle blocker Lauren Johnson and senior opposite hitter Mollie Newbern, who finished with five and four kills receptively.   On the defensive side the Lynx were led by freshman outside hitter Elasha Williams who finished with 13 digs.
 
In the second contest the Lynx faced off against the Majors of Millsaps College.  The Lynx carried some of their momentum from the third set against the Knights and came out strong in the first two sets. The sets were back and fourth before the Majors were able to sneak away at the end.  The third set was controlled by the Majors from start to finish as the Lynx fell 3-0.
 
Williams finished with 13 kills on a .167 attack clip, followed by Newbern with eight kills on a .214 hitting percentage.  Junior libero Tasha Heller sprawled for 18 digs and freshman setter Caryn Hawkins dished out 20 assists. 

The Lynx return to the court at home during the Rhodes Invitational on Sept. 6 and 7 against Lyon College, Centenary College and Fontbonne University.