Augusta Volleyball Team Concludes Conference Play with Narrow Loss to Lander University

Augusta Volleyball Team Faces Setback Against Lander University

GREENWOOD, SC – The Augusta University volleyball team experienced a tough loss on Wednesday evening, concluding their Peach Belt Conference schedule with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Lander University. The match, held at Horne Arena, had set scores of 25-15, 29-27, and 28-26, reflecting the close competition throughout.

Match Overview

Augusta’s season record now stands at 17-6, with a conference mark of 4-4. Lander, now boasting a record of 19-4 and 6-1 in the conference, displayed consistency and skill that proved challenging for the Jaguars to counter. The first set began unfavorably for Augusta, which struggled to find a rhythm against Lander’s formidable play.

However, a shift occurred in the second set. Augusta found its footing, engaging in a highly competitive rally that featured 18 ties and eight lead changes. Despite the Jaguars’ strong performance, they narrowly lost the second set 29-27, falling just short of overcoming Lander’s powerful offense.

Strong Performances

In the third set, the Jaguars continued to show resilience. Key defensive plays by Madelyn Eden and Jada Suguturaga, who both recorded four blocks each, kept the momentum alive. The set ended in another nail-biting finish at 28-26, illustrating Augusta’s determination to compete despite the overall loss.

Sophia Kruczko led Augusta’s offensive efforts with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .250, alongside 5 digs. Jacklyn Simms and Layne Witherspoon each contributed 9 kills, with Simms hitting at .300 and Witherspoon at .280. Additionally, Marah Zenner, the team’s setter, had a key role in facilitating the attack, providing 28 assists and a solid 7 digs. Meanwhile, the defensive backbone was strengthened by Rylie Harris, who recorded an impressive 15 digs and 2 service aces.

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Augusta University volleyball players and fans remain hopeful as they anticipate their upcoming non-conference match. On Friday, November 15, they will host Georgia College at the George A. Christenberry Fieldhouse, starting at 6 p.m. This match presents an opportunity for the Jaguars to regroup and showcase their readiness to bounce back.

Fan Engagement

Fans of the Augusta Jaguars are encouraged to support the team as they move into this new challenge. For those looking to stay updated on the team’s progress and news, subscriptions to the email list serve are available. Interested fans can follow Augusta University on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Conclusion

The loss against Lander University serves as a learning experience for the Augusta volleyball team, who have demonstrated passion and skill throughout the season. As they prepare for the upcoming match against Georgia College, all eyes will be on the Jaguars to see how they respond to this defeat and strive to improve their performance.