Jaguar VB team runs winning streak to eight games
Staff report
Augusta University’s volleyball team gained wins over Valdosta State, Montevallo and Mississippi College in the Peach Belt/Gulf South Crossover at Christenberry Fieldhouse, on Sept. 16-17.
The Jaguars (9-3) defeated Valdosta State 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 on Friday afternoon, Sept. 16, in their home opener.
Setter Janvier Buggs got AU off to quick 8-0 start in the first set, and the Jaguars never looked back, although the second set was quite competitive.
Outside hitter Jazmyn Wheeler led the way with 11 kills and 15 digs for Augusta. Middle hitter Savannah Davis added eight kills, and outside hitter Sophia Kruczko chipped in six.
Buggs led the way with 22 assists, and Dariana Luna was the defensive leader with 18 digs.
The Jaguars then beat Montevallo in four sets on Saturday, Sept. 16. Sets scores were 25-20, 21-25, 25-18, 25-12.
Wheeler again led the way with 11 kills, and Jada Suguturaga added 10. Madelyn Eden had eight kills.
The assists were well divided among Buggs (18), Abigail Breeden (15) and Luna (9).
Wheeler and Luna each had 17 digs on the defensive end.
The Jags, who have now won eight in a row, beat Mississippi College in five sets in their Crossover finale on Saturday afternoon. In a highly competitive match, Augusta rallied from two sets down to win by scores of 19-25, 19-25, 25-13, 25-19, 15-10. Wheeler had a phenomenal match with 19 kills. Jordan Jerome added nine for AU. Buggs had 27 assists and Breeden 18.
As usual, Luna was the defensive ace with a career-high 37 digs.
So for the second straight weekend, Coach Sharon Quarles’ team was undefeated. The Jaguars also won at Shorter on Sept. 12.
The Jaguars will host Flagler in their PBC opener next weekend. AU is the defending regular-season champion and picked to defend that title by the league’s coaches. Friday’s match is at 6 p.m. Saturday’s first serve will be at 3 p.m.
Ariana Luna (7) had a career-best 37 digs in AU’s five-set win over Mississippi College. At the top of the page, freshman Mikayla Kline powers home a kill for the Jaguars. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)
AU outside hitter Jazmyn Wheeler (16) winds up for another kill against Valdosta State. Dariana Luna (7) and Janvier Boggs (21) watch their teammate. Wheeler had 41 kills and 40 digs in three PBC-Gulf South Crossover matches. (photo by Rose Murray)
