Jaguars' volleyball team completes sweep of Pacers
By Payton Willis | Sports writer
The Augusta Jaguars defeated the USC Aiken Pacers in a five-set collegiate volleyball match at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, Sept. 24, to make their way to the top of the Peach Belt Conference standings.
Following a clean three-set sweep by AU on Friday, the Pacers proved to be a more formidable opponent for the Jaguars on Saturday. USC Aiken took Augusta to five sets in the two programs’ most recent match.
With the two wins, the Jaguars now sit atop the conference with a 4-1 record in the PBC and a 12-4 record overall. Saturday’s triumph also marked their 10th consecutive win over their conference rivals and third straight win overall—and AU’s 11th win in its last 13 match. The overall series record between the two teams is 20-10 in favor of Augusta.
Sophomore middle hitter Jada Suguturaga led the way for Augusta with 15 kills and a blazing .480 hitting percentage. Senior setter Samantha Zittrauer totaled 35 assists.
“Because of Friday night’s win, we were not present and ready to go at the start,” AU Coach Sharon Quarles said after the match. “We changed things up between the second and third sets. We went from a a 6-2 to a 5-1 set. That meant there was only one setter on the court the entire time instead of two. That was the big difference for us.”
The Pacers (1-4, 10-6) won the first two sets of the match by scores of 25-19 and 25-14, meaning the Jaguars would have to mount a major comeback to beat their rivals.
The Jaguars won the next two sets 25-17 and 25-16 before winning the match with a 15-6 win in set No. 5. Ally Thees had the match-winning kill, with Zittrauer providing the assist.
Junior outside hitter Jazmyn Wheeler had 11 kills for the Jaguars, while senior defensive specialist Kiera Barr had 19 digs.
Emily Lammers and Sadie McKay each had 16 kills for USC Aiken. Mallory Barash added 24 assists for the Pacers.
Augusta’s next opponent is the Lander Bearcats in Greenwood, S.C., on Friday, Sept. 30. USC Aiken will play at Young Harris on Oct. 1.
Contact Payton Willis at paywillis@augusta.edu.
Augusta University outside hitter Madelyn Eden (15) gets the kill for AU in the five-set victory over the Pacers. At the top of the page, the Jaguars celebrate after winning over USC Aiken. From left to right: Dariana Luna (7), Coach Sharon Quarles, Kiera Barr, Jazmyn Wheeler (16), Samantha Zittrauer (10), Jada Suguturaga and Madelyn Eden (15). (photos by Madison Keel)
