Jaguar volleyball team defeats Shorter University in three sets
By Payton Willis | Sports writer
The Augusta Jaguars, behind the play of Jada Suguturaga and Madelyn Eden, beat the Shorter University Hawks in a clean three-set sweep at Christenberry Field House on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The Jaguars (8-3) had to tough out a tight first set, 28-26, but the hosts won the second set 25-22 and 25-11 in the final set.
The Jaguars put on an offensive show against the Hawks. Junior middle-blocker Eden and sophomore middle-hitter Suguturaga both led the match in kills with nine each. Suguturaga also showed out on the defensive side of the ball, putting up nine blocks. Alexis Diaz-Infante contributed six kills and Kayli Cleaver five.
Samantha Zittrauer was the leader in assists with 23. Defense was dominated by Dariana Luna. A junior libero out of Caracas, Venezuela, Luna ended the night with 20 digs.
“I think we did well,” said Diaz-Infante. “Even though we got off to a slow start, we were able to defend our home court and take it in three.”
Shorter (5-7) was led by Taylor Reese-Howell with seven kills, and Annie Smith had 19 assists. The defensive leader for the Hawks was Sprotsy Madison with 20 digs.
Augusta has seen a lot of success in its most recent string of games. The Jaguars swept the Pacer Invitational tournament, beating four different schools, and left the PBC/Gulf Crossover with a record of 2-1. In that crossover at West Georgia, the Jaguars beat the host and Valdosta State and lost in five sets to Montevallo.
The Jaguars will play their first conference game against Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 16. The Jaguars and Saints will also play on Saturday, Sept. 17.
“In order to succeed this weekend at Flagler,” Diaz-Infante said, “we need to execute. It's going to be a long weekend, so staying focused and working together will be essential.”
Contact Payton Willis at paywillis@augusta.edu.
Madelyn Eden (15) and Alexis Diaz-Infante block for Augusta during the Jaguars’ win over Shorter University. At the top of the page, Eden tips the ball over the net. (photos by Madison Keel)
