Flagler edges AU in five sets despite torrid hitting display by Kruczko
By J.Ben Haynes | Sports writer
The Augusta University volleyball team dropped a back-and-forth match in five sets against the Flagler College Saints in St. Augustine, Fla., on Saturday, Oct 19.
Both teams traded sets on their way to the fifth and deciding set, with the Saints winning sets one and three, and the Jaguars winning sets two and four.
The Saints (3-2, 7-9) started hot from the first serve, amassing an 11-5 to begin the match. This deficit was too much for Augusta to overcome, as Flagler won the first set 25-17 on the back of six Amelia Fitzpatrick kills.
The second set was the opposite of the first, as the Jaguars roared to a 14-5 lead that would hold and tie the match at one set apiece with an Augusta 25-15 set win.
In set three, Flagler stole all the momentum from the Jaguars, as the Saints amassed a 19-7 lead in an error-riddled set from Augusta.
The Jaguars went on a 9-6 run to end the set, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit, as Flagler won the set 25-16.
In the fourth set, Augusta once again grabbed the momentum back on their way to a dominant 25-17 win to force a fifth set. Sophia Kruczko was dominant in the fourth set, totaling six kills.
In the deciding fifth set, Augusta had a 6-5 lead through the first 11 points. But the ensuing five straight Saint’s points were too much for the Jaguars to overcome, as Flagler won the set 15-11, and the match 3-2.
For Flagler, Fitzpatrick was dominant, totaling 15 kills on a .200 attack percentage. Jordan Berglin was also a force for the Saints, amassing 16 kills on a .143 attack percentage.
Kruczko had a career night for Augusta, finishing with 13 kills on an astounding .500 attack percentage.
Additionally, Jada Suguturaga continued her outstanding season, finishing with seven kills on a .227 kill percentage to go along with five blocks defensively. Giulia Rodrigues had 17 digs for the Jaguars, while Marah Zenner had 19 assists and 11 digs.
With the loss, the Jaguars fall to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in Peach Belt Conference play.
Augusta will be back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 22, as the Jaguars travel to take on Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs at 6 p.m.
Additionally, the Jaguars return home to Christenberry Fieldhouse for a rematch with Flagler College on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m.
Contact J.Ben Haynes at jamhaynes@augusta.edu.
Janvier Buggs (21) had 13 assists in the Jaguars’ PBC loss at Flagler College on Saturday, Oct. 19. At the top of the page, AU outside hitter Sophia Kruczko (8) was outstanding with 13 kills on the afternoon. The Saints won 25-17, 15-25, 25-16, 17-25, 15-11 in a tightly contested match. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
