Nationally ranked Jaguars sweep three VB matches at Pacer Invitational
By J.Ben Haynes | Sport writer
AIKEN, S.C.—Not to be outdone by their first weekend of the 2024 volleyball season, the Augusta University Jaguars won three more matches on the second weekend.
AU dispatched of North Greenville, Francis Marion and Carson-Newman on Sept. 13 and 14 at the Pacer Invitational at USC Aiken.
The Jaguars (6-0) opened their play in the invitational on Friday with a five-set win over North Greenville. Sophia Kruczko led the way with 15 kills, while Madelyn Eden added 11 kills and eight blocks. Jada Suguturaga chipped in nine kills and five blocks, while Marin Freeland contributed 11 kills. Janvier Buggs provided 33 assists from the setter position.
Kruczko finished off the match with a kill for a 15-11 win in the fifth set.
On Saturday, AU swept by Francis Marion and Carson-Newman. The Jaguars beat Francis Marion 25-23, 25-7, 25-17 and Carson-Newman 25-20, 27-25, 25-17..
With the wins, the Jaguars remain unbeaten on the season with a record of 6-0. And later the latest coaches’ poll moved AU from 25th to 22nd in NCAA Division II.
In their first match Saturday, Eden led the way for the Jaguars, with nine kills on a .389 kill percentage to go along with three block assists.
Defensively, Suguturaga led the Jaguars with three solo blocks and three block assists.
Augusta’s second match of the day was much of the same story. The Jaguars’ offensive attack was headed by senior transfer Marin Freeland, who finished with 13 kills on a .370 kill percentage.
The Jaguars’ dominant blocking front that leads the country was not as prominent in this match, with only 9 total team kills.
However, libero Giullia Rodrigues and defensive specialist Rylie Harris picked up the weight on defense, combining for 28 of the team’s 60 total digs.
The Jaguars look to remain undefeated in their home opener against Shorter University at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.
Jada Suguturaga (13) and Sophia Kruczko go up for the block for the Jaguars against Carson-Newman. At the top of the page, Suguturaga delivers a kill for AU. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)
AU defensive specialist Riley Harris (3) goes for the dig as AU picked up three more victories, this time at the Pacer Invitational at USC Aiken. (photo by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)
