WICHITA - Angie Bennett posted a match-high 14 kills, and led the Newman volleyball team past a feisty flock of Friends Falcons in a 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-23) sweep Tuesday night inside Fugate Gymnasium.

Representing the NAIA, Friends (15-7) wasn't intimidated by the NCAA Division II game environment or talent level. The Falcons jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the opening set and stole the early momentum, but Newman (7-16) rallied back, tying the match at 5-5, then battling the visiting Falcons to a 10-10 tie that forced FU coach Martin Ayin to call a timeout. Ayin's words did the trick, as the Falcons scored three-straight points, but again the Jets rallied back, taking the match to the 20-20 mark, before embarking on a 5-2 mini-rally to win the opening match, 25-22.

Newman took the early momentum in the second set. The Jets raced out to an 11-6 lead and never let Friends catch up, cruising to a 25-19 second-set win, and taking a two-set advantage in the match.

Friends would not go quietly. In an eery repeat of the opening set, Friends took a 4-1 lead, but the Jets rallied again to tie the set at 9-9. Again, Friends stole the momentum and took a 16-13 lead, and looked to be on its way to winning its first set of the match, but Newman was up to the task, using a 12-7 rally to secure its third win in the last four matches.

Bennett's 14 kills, .391 attack percentage, and nine digs led the Jets, while Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week Chelsey Potter added 13 kills on 32 attempts. Heartland Conference Setter of the Week Caroline Painter led all setters with 41 assists in the match.

Friends was led offensively by Courtney McCune's 12 kills on 20 attempts. Addie Jo Peterson led the Falcons in assists (13), while Erin Cooper led all defensive players with 15 digs.

With the win, the Jets improve to 7-16 on the season, while the Falcons fall to 15-7. Newman is back in action Thursday when they take on Heartland Conference leader St. Edward's in a 7 p.m. match-up in Austin, Texas.