AU downs Lander again, defends PBC regular-season title

By Domonic Macias | Sports writer

GREENWOOD, S.C.—The Augusta University Jaguars successfully defender their regular-season Peach Belt championship after their three-set sweep in a highly anticipated match against the Lander Bearcats on Friday, Nov. 10, at Horne Arena.

The Jaguars carried their momentum from the previous match against Lander. Dariana Luna and Jazmyn Wheeler emerged as pivotal players, propelling the Jaguars to victory. Wheeler showcased her dominance with an impressive 12 kills, while Luna anchored the team defensively, with an outstanding 24 digs. 

Wheeler had been named Peach Belt player of the week earlier in the week. That was the third such honor for Wheeler this season, and she continued her high level of play.

“We are taking this as another step in our journey,” said Janvier Buggs, the Jaguars’ setter, who had 33 assists.

Kayli Cleaver, despite being only a sophomore, contributed significantly with 10 kills, closely following Wheeler's lead.

“I have that mindset of its time to step up for my teammates,” said the 6-foot-4 Cleaver. “We are definitely going to keep our energy up like we did tonight and have fun.”

Madelyn Eden was another key player for the Jaguars, leading both teams with six blocks. The Jaguars dominated in total blocking, with 11 blocks compared to Lander’s three, which was a key factor in their victory. 

 “We were just making sure we shut down their key players; we just kept chipping away one point at a time,” said middle blocker Eden. 

Savannah Davis, whose play of late has been impactful for AU, added four kills.

With this win, the Jaguars extend their winning streak to 11, rounding out the regular season with a 25-4 record overall and 11-1 in the PBC. They now will host the conference tournament at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

AU, ranked third in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region in this week’s poll, will now how host the PBC tourney as the No. 1 seed. The Jaguars have won 24 of their last 25 matches. The lone defeat in this run was to Lander in four sets on Oct. 7.

Lander, ranked first in the Southeast this week and with 42 votes for the D2 top 25, got 12 kills and 19 digs from outside hitter Katie Miller. The Bearcats (10-2, 26-5) will be the No. 2 seed in the PBC Tournament, to be played Nov. 17-18 at Christenberry.

Flagler and Georgia College will face one another in the play-in game on Nov. 14. AU will host that winner of that match next Friday, while Lander will play USC Aiken in the other semifinal.

AU has won five straight PBC titles—two regular-season crowns after three consecutive PBC tournament championships. That matches the men’s cross-country team, which has five straight PBC titles and is about to head to the nationals in Joplin, Mo.

Jazmyn Wheeler had 12 kills to lead AU past Lander in three sets on the Bearcats’ home floor. At the top of the page, Madelyn Eden, here blocking the Bearcats’ Olivia Dow, continued her solid play with seven kills and six blocks as the Jaguars defended their Peach Belt Conference regular-season title. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)

Here is the final Peach Belt Conference regular-season standings. (from the Peach Belt Conference)