JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- UIC (4-0) won for the fourth consecutive time to begin the 2016 season by defeating the Charlotte 49ers (1-3) in the opening match of the JAX Classic, 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24). Sitting at 4-0, the Flames have matched the best the best start for any team in the eight-year tenure of head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley.

"As we have seen in every match we've played this season, it took a total team effort to win this afternoon," said Schumacher-Cawley. "Every person on the roster contributed in some way. Charlotte is a very skilled team and they challenged us on every point of the entire match. I'm proud of our resilience and ability to fight our way through adversity."

The reigning Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week, Alyssa Ehrhardt, continued to enjoy a hot start to her senior season. The outside hitter paced the Flames with 17 kills while adding 14 digs to record her second double-double in four matches this season. Her attacking percentage was .325 (17k-4e-40a) against Charlotte. Kelsie Groot added her third double-double for UIC behind 15 kills and 11 digs.

Redshirt freshman Macy Geyer made her collegiate debut against the 49ers. The setter came in and handed out 18 assists and added a pair of aces from the service line.

The Flames will continue and conclude the JAX Classic with a  pair of matches at Swisher Gym on Saturday. UIC will meet Presbyterian for the first time ever at 12:30 p.m. CT before returning to take on the hosts, the Jacksonville Dolphins, in the nightcap at 6 p.m. CT.