Anderson ends Jaguar volleyball's magical season
Staff report
WINGATE, N.C.—Anderson University, coming off an upset of top-seeded Wingate, swept past second-seeded Augusta University 3-0 in an NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen match at Cuddy Arena on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The Trojans won 27-25, 25-15, 25-22, ending the Jaguars’ conference championship season at 29-5. Anderson (28-5) advances to the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh, Pa., later this week.
AU had a 21-19 lead in the first set, but Anderson went on an 8-4 run that proved pivotal in the match. The Jags actually had a set point after a Janvier Buggs kill, but Anderson fought back successfully.
The Jaguars saw their 15-match win streak broken. For seniors Jazmyn Wheeler, Dariana Luna and Jordan Jerome, it was the last match of their college careers.
AU tied for the most wins in program history, equaling the 29 wins of 2021. The Jaguars won the regular-season and Peach Belt Conference Tournament titles in the same season for the first time in school history. AU Coach Sharon Quarles surpassed the 300-win mark for her tenure as the program’s leader.
Sophia Kruczko led Augusta on Sunday with 10 kills and three blocks. Tabitha Wheeler led Anderson with 10 kills, and Jenna Long had 37 assists.
The Trojans outhit the Jaguars .159 to .098. Anderson had a 43-33 advantage in kills.
AU’s Kruczko, Buggs and Wheeler, the regional player of the year, were named to the all-tournament team. Wheeler had had a sensational 21 kills in the semifinal win over Lander. Wheeler also was the Peach Belt player of the year for two seasons and an honorable mention all-America last season.
Madelyn Eden (15) and Janvier Buggs (21) go up for the block for AU in the Southeast Region final against Anderson. At the top of the page, Buggs tries to fire up her teammates. (photos by Rachel Carman)
Augusta’s Jazmyn Wheeler (16) goes up for the attack in what turned out to be the final match of her stellar college career. Teammate Jade Suguturaga (13) is at the net with Wheeler. (photo by Rachel Carman)
Sophia Kruczko (8) reacts to an AU point in the Southeast Region final against Anderson University. Jaguar Coach Sharon Quarles (behind Kruczko) cheers on the play of her team. (photo by Rachel Carman)
