By Ceara Hester |ContributorFor the first time since 2014, Augusta University beat Flagler College in volleyball. How rare was the Sept. 21 win over Flagler—which came in the Peach Belt Conference opener? Augusta has been playing Flagler since 2009, and the Jags now have won only three of 24 matches in the series.On Friday night, however, the Jaguars did not let the series history stop them. They took home a 3-0 win against the Saints to start the conference season off strong.“They have been the monkey on our backs for a couple years now, so, to beat them in three convincingly is all the sweeter,” said Jaguars' Coach Sharon Quarles about the team’s conference-opening win.The Lady Jags (11-2, 1-0) beat the Saints (5-7, 0-1) with final set scores of 25-16, 25-16 and 25-22. Flagler put up a fight with AU during the last set, but AU did not back down and ended the set with a hitting average of .333 against Flagler’s .107.One thing the Jaguars did well, according to Coach Quarles, was serving. They led the night with five serving aces, four of which came from sophomore middle hitter Chloe Allen. Allen also led the team with 10 kills and a hitting percentage of .471. Senior outside hitter Savanna Gonzales posted seven kills and senior setter McKenzey Beck contributed 15 assists to help lead the team to victory.“I know last year they were one of our big competitors, and even years before, the seniors will tell you they’ve been trying at it for like three or four years, so, to come out as strong as we did and sweep them in three is amazing,” Allen said. “This is Augusta University volleyball. This year we’re on fire, and I’m so excited to see what we’re going to do.”It was a big turnout for the home team. Attendance was 212 at Christenberry Fieldhouse, and one of those in attendance was August University President Dr. Brooks Keel. He came out to watch and support the team and was very impressed by the win they walked away with.“I’m embarrassed to say this is the first [match] I’ve had the chance to get to and, man, what a great game. The ladies are sure looking great,” said President Keel, who is planning to come to more matches this season.The Jaguars will take on Georgia College Tuesday, Sept. 25, for their second conference match. The next home game will be Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. against Emmanuel College.