Jags volleyball drops first two matches of the season

By Chris Rickerson | Sports editor

The Augusta University volleyball team lost their first two matches of the season at the Pacer Invitational in four sets on Friday, Sept. 3, at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. 

AU’s first match was against Embry-Riddle, and the Jaguars would win the first set 25-22, despite a high number of errors. 

The Eagles would take advantage of the errors and won the next three sets by scores of 25-22 in set two and three and finished off the Jags 25-13. 

AU had a total of 30 errors on the match compared to Embry-Riddle’s 17. The Eagles were tough on the defensive end with team combined 12 blocks compared to the Jags 5.

Cameron Gilleland led the Eagles on the offensive end with 16 kills. Senior Alexis Diaz-Infante had the team high 10 kills for the Jaguars. 

The Jaguars next match was another non-conference game against Auburn University Montgomery. 

AU came out again in their second match and won the first set 25-16, winning by a good margin. The Warhawks came back strong and would win the second set 25-23.

Once again with the match tied up at one set each, the Jags would struggle and went on to lose the last two sets by a score of 25-17 and 25-20. 

The Warhawks dominated on the offensive end with 58 kills, compared to the Jaguars 44. 

Nyah Whittlesey, Carla Butler, and Keren Santana all three led AUM with 13 kills each. Senior Kylie Martin led the Jags with 10 kills. 

After the tough losses, Sharon Quarles, AU head volleyball coach, says the team will need to make some improvements going into tomorrow. 

“We just got to put the ball away as hitters,” said Quarles. “Defense was solid, we just got to be able to find the floor as attackers.” 

Last season, AU started off the shortened in-conference schedule 1-2 before rattling off 13 wins in a row and a third straight Peach Belt Conference Championship. This season will be different, as the Jaguars schedule is back to normal, and the team will play tons of out of conference teams. 

“It gives us a starting out point before we get into conference play in a couple of weeks,” said Quarles. “This is a good test for us to see where we are and maintain the energy level throughout.” 

The Jaguars next match will be against North Greenville University on Saturday, Sept 4., at 3 p.m., at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, followed by another match versus Lincoln Memorial University at 6 p.m. 

Contact Chris Rickerson at crickerson@augusta.edu

Senior Kylie Martin with an impressive pass against AUM.

Pictured at the top Kylie Martin and Alyssa Dutton ready for the serve against AUM. (photos by Chris Rickerson.)