Augusta volleyball gets sweet revenge, sweeps two matches from Flagler
By Noah Bowers | Sports Writer
The Augusta University volleyball made quick work of Flagler College in a 3-0 sweep of the Saints on Friday night, Sept. 22, to kickoff Peach Belt Conference play.
Then, on Saturday, Sept. 23, the Jaguars scored another sweep over the Saints for AU’s 10th straight win.
The wins brought the Jaguars to 11-3 on the season, 2-0 in PBC play.
The Jaguars last met Flagler in the NCAA tournament last season, where they unfortunately lost in five sets.
AU started the opening set Friday strong with a scalding ace from senior Janvier Buggs, putting the Jaguars in the early lead. Flagler would keep it close throughout the set, before a 7-2 run helped AU finish with a lot of momentum. Senior libero Dariana Luna made multiple acrobatic digs to keep Flagler firmly in the rearview, finishing the set 25-20.
Flagler came out hot in the second set, leading 3-0, before an amazing kill from outside hitter Jazmyn Wheeler silenced the few FC faithful and brought the home crowd to their feet. The Jaguars asserted home court dominance from that point forward, cruising to a comfortable 25-17 set victory.
AU would continue their offensive prowess throughout set three. Backed up by the great blocks of Sophia Kruczcko and Jada Suguturaga, Wheeler continued to rain down kills against the struggling Saints. The Jaguars completed the sweep with a final 25-18.
Wheeler pounced all over the court with 15 kills and two aces, fueling the Jaguars offense all night.
“It’s not always about putting the kill shot away, but her shot selection was great,” said Jaguar Coach Sharon Quarles. “She was able to pick them apart.”
Buggs set up kills consistently, leading with 23 assists and no errors. Sophia Kruzcko made her presence known at the net with 8 kills and two blocks.
Luna anchored the defensive effort with 21 digs and 7 assists. Buggs added to her assist total with 12 digs. Ally Thees had 10 digs to round out the effort.
The AU fans showed up in a big way for the PBC home opener, as the student section was booming all match long. Vibes were high for the fans and team alike.
“It was phenomenal,” continued Quarles. “If we can keep generating that, people want to be a part of something that’s good and winning.”
On Saturday afternoon, Wheeler led the way again, with 19 kills, as AU won the three sets 25-8, 25-15, 25-12. Kruczko added nine. Buggs had 35 assists and Luna totaled 14 digs. Suguturaga paced Augusta in blocks with eight.
The Jaguars will go on the road Wednesday, Sept. 27, when they play at Georgia College.
Contact Noah Bowers at nbowers@augusta.edu.
Sophia Kruczko goes up for the kill off a set by Janvier Buggs. At the top of the page, Jazmyn Wheeler tries a touch attack at the net. Wheeler and Kruczko led AU to a sweep of Flagler. (photos by Rose Murray)
