Behind Wheeler, Jaguars defeat Pacers in four sets
By Domonic Macias | Sports writer
AIKEN, S.C.—The Augusta Jaguars emerged victorious in their first Peach Belt Conference match of the season against rival USC Aiken on Oct. 24.
The Jaguars had a rocky start at the Convocation Center, losing the first set to the Pacers 17-25. However, they quickly regrouped and mounted an impressive comeback. The second set saw the Jaguars execute a remarkable reverse sweep.
The key to their success was their precision and consistency. Throughout the match, the Jaguars committed only 15 errors, in stark contrast to USC Aiken's 29 errors.
This paid off as the Augusta Jaguars secured the match with final scores of 17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17, extending their winning streak to an impressive five consecutive victories. AU improved to 5-1 in the PBC and 19-5 overall.
Senior Jazmyn Wheeler played a pivotal role in the Jaguars' success, leading the match with 19 kills. Wheeler also had 16 digs and three blocks for the Jaguars. Janvier Buggs contributed significantly with 40 assists and 12 digs.
“She is just in her zone,” AU Coach Sharon Quarles said of Wheeler. “Without question there was no touches. They were clean kills, and she was finding real estate.”
Dariana Luna excelled as a defensive specialist, recording an impressive 26 digs during the match.
Sophia Kruczko and Kayli Cleaver added 12 kills each for the Jaguars (5-1, 19-4). Madelyn Eden had four blocks for AU.
“We keep getting one percent better every day," said Wheeler.
Wheeler now has 312 kills on the season (79 sets). Buggs is up to 585 assists in the same number of sets. Luna has 403 digs.
Emily Lammers and Sadie McKay each had 12 kills for USCA (2-5, 14-6).
With this win under their belt, the Augusta Jaguars are now gearing up for their next match. They are set to travel to Florida to face Flager this upcoming Friday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. If AU wins that match, Quarles will earn his ninth 20-win season as the Jaguars’ coach.
The Jaguars will host Georgia College on Halloween, also at 6 p.m.
Senior Jazmyn Wheeler lines up one of her 19 kills to lead AU past rival USC Aiken in four sets on Oct. 24. At the top of the page, Janvier Buggs (21) goes up for the block against the Pacers as teammate Madelyn Eden (15) and Kayli Cleaver (11) watch. Buggs had 40 assists and 12 digs for the winners. (photos by Domonic Macias)
Samantha Davis (5) goes up for the attack off the set from Janvier Buggs (21) in AU’s four-set win over the Pacers. Dariana Luna (7) and Kayli Cleaver (11) watch their teammates. (photo by Domonic Macias)
