History was made inside the raucous environment of Manuel Rivero Gymnasium Thursday as the Lincoln University volleyball team opened the season with a straight set victory over Goldey-Beacom, 25-12, 25-18, 27-25.

It was the first time in 12 attempts that the LU recorded a win over the Lightning and the first time in the programs 12-year NCAA Division II history they opened the season with victory.

Lincoln scored eight of the first 11 points of the first set, but GBC quickly fought back to pull to within a single point (8-7). However, the Lions scored seven of the next eight, and 17 of the final 21 points to secure the first set.
Another quick start and statement finish culminated the second set win as the Lions tallied six of the first eight points and eight of the final nine.

Unlike the first two sets, LU had to fight from behind and stave off three set points to secure the straight set victory. Lincoln trailed 13-7 before Mariah Webster (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech/) served the Orange and Blue back into the game with seven straight points. Goldey-Beacom refused to fold under the wave of emotion coming from the crowd and the orange-clad volleyball players. The Lightning were on the cusp of the win with a 22-18 lead.

However, Lincoln tallied five of the next six to pull even, staved off three GBC attempts, and scored the final three points to set off a pandemonium.

Sophomore Haley Loper (Middletown, Del./St. Georges Technical) led the team with 12 kills, while senior Jasmin Lewis (Baltimore, Md./Western), junior Erica Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) and freshman Janaa Smith (Rochester, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy) all recorded seven kills. Smith led the team with 16 assists and eight digs. Sophomore Jaida Lumpkin (Middletown, Del./Middletown) added 12 assists, while Webster registered 10 digs.

Lincoln (1-0) hosts rival Cheyney 6 p.m. Wednesday for a non-conference match.