AU wins two from USC Aiken, setting up showdown with Lander; Wheeler POW again

Staff report

Augusta University’s volleyball team swept a weekend series from USC Aiken in Peach Conference action.

The Jaguars defeated the Pacers on Friday, Nov. 3, at Christenberry Fieldhouse in four sets by scores of 25-20, 20-25, 25-15, 25-16. Jazmyn Miller and Savannah Davis led the way for AU with 15 kills and 10 kills, respectively. Madelyn Eden led the defensive effort with seven blocks, while Dariana Luna totaled 16 digs. Janvier Buggs had 34 assists.

The next day, in Aiken, Augusta got a straight-sets win over the Pacers. Set scores were 25-16, 29-9, 25-16. Wheeler again had 15 kills, while Davis added nine. Buggs provided 30 assists, and Eden had six blocks. Luna led the way with 19 digs.

AU (9-1, 23-4) has won nine straight matches and 22 of its last 23 outings. This sets up a showdown on Nov. 9-10 with Lander (10-0, 26-3).

The Jaguars and Bearcats will meet Thursday at Christenberry Fieldhouse and travel to Greenwood, S.C., on Friday. Since Lander won the first match of the season, Augusta must win both matches this week to win the regular-season title.

AU is the defending conference regular-season champion.

After another strong week, Wheeler was named PBC player of the week for the second straight week and the third time this season. She had 15 kills in all three matches last week, hitting at a .366 clip.

Rylie Harris serves for the Jaguars in the Friday, Nov. 3, win over the Pacers. At the top of the page, Sophia Kruczko (left) and Savannah Davis (5) attempt the block for AU. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)

Janvier Buggs (21) sets up Savannah Davis (5) for the kill. Davis had 10 in the Friday victory over USC Aiken. (photo by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)