AU Volleyball's hunt for fourth-straight PBC Championship starts at Pacer Invitational

By Carlos Rodriguez | Co-editor in chief

After playing last season during the spring, Augusta University’s volleyball team returns to competition this fall. 

The Jaguars played a shortened season in the spring, only facing teams within the Peach Belt Conference. They finished with a 14-2 record, en route to winning their third-straight PBC Tournament Championship.

“Although we had a great spring season, I'm excited that we're back to normal this fall,” said senior Kylie Martin. “We made the most of the games we had during the spring and I'm hoping we can build on that and go further this season.”

The team tips off the 2021 season with back-to-back weekends at the Pacer Invitational hosted by USC Aiken at the Convocation Center. Their first matches will be this Friday, Sept. 3, where they will play Embry-Riddle and Auburn University-Montgomery at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

“We’re going to be tested, which is going to be good,” said AU head coach Sharon Quarles.

Saturday they’ll square off at the same times against North Greenville and UNC Pembroke.

The following weekend they’ll play Belmont Abbey and Erskine College on Friday, followed by Converse College and Coker College on Saturday.

“Excited to be close to home,” said Quarles. “Spectators are fully allowed to go. We’re looking to have a strong following to go over there to watch.” 

With being one of the top teams in the Southeast region, Quarles spoke about the challenges of trying to schedule matches with some teams.

“Teams don’t want to play you,” said Quarles. “They just want to avoid and then see you postseason play.” 

For the entire month of September they’ll be on the road and will host their home-opener on Friday, Oct. 1 against Flagler, setting up a rematch of last season's PBC Championship in which the Jags won 3-2. 

“We’re looking forward to that,” said Quarles. “They’re just a great conference opponent. It’s a battle every time we face each other.”

The Jaguars return a veteran group of seniors that have chosen to play for a fifth year that was granted due to COVID-19. 

Kylie Martin, who was named the PBC Tournament MVP and All-Conference First team, returns for a fifth year along with Chloe Allen who was also a first team selection.

“We all knew we would need a fifth year to finish school, but didn't think we'd still be playing volleyball,” said Kylie Martin. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to play an extra year.”

Seniors Alyssa Frazier, Holland Martin and Julie Archer return as well and are key contributors. Frazier was third on the team in kills last season, averaging 2.20 kills per set while Archer was third in hitting percentage at .222. 

Martin led the team in both digs per set and service aces per set and was named to the PBC All-Tournament Team last season where she recorded a season-high 32 digs in the championship game.

Quarles is excited for the players to not only play another year, but to be able to continue their academic careers as well. 

“For them to venture back to say, ‘hey let’s play another season’ and have a full season of 28 regular-season matches plus potential postseason play is awesome,” said Quarles. “To do well academically and then want to pursue athletically another semester of play is just awesome.”

The team added three new players, two transfers and one true freshman. Middle-Hitter Radka Brichackova, who’s from Liberec, Czech Republic, is a graduate transfer coming from Division I Texas Southern, where she led the team in blocks her junior year.

“Being with one year of eligibility it was a perfect line up,” said Quarles. “She was very interested in the MBA program that we offer at AU and she’s been very happy with both situations. She’s going to step in very nicely and fill some gaps.”

Ally Thees is another Division I transfer, coming from Georgia State. The redshirt freshman from Fort Mill, S.C., plays setter and defensive specialist.

“She’s going to help strengthen the setter position,” said Quarles. “She’ll have four years of eligibilty with us with the COVID year.”

Contact Carlos Rodriguez at carrodriguez@augusta.edu

At the top of the page AU volleyball after defeating Flagler 3-2 in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship. Photo by AU Athletics