AUGUSTA, GA – The Augusta University volleyball team (14-5, 2-3 PBC) celebrated Senior Night with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Peach Belt Conference leader Lander University (15-4, 3-1 PBC) on Friday night. AU handed Lander its first PBC loss of the season. The Jaguars won with set scores of 22-25, 27-25, 21-25, 26-24, and 15-6.
Augusta's seniors were honored before the match, celebrating Marah Zenner, Rylie Harris, Jacklyn Simms, Janvier Buggs, Sophia Kruczko, Madelyn Eden, Jada Suguturaga, and Marin Freeland for their contributions to the program.
The second set proved pivotal when senior Jada Suguturaga delivered a commanding solo block to close out the set at 27-25, energizing the Jaguars and tying the match at one set apiece. Suguturaga finished the night with 7 kills and 5 blocks.
Janvier Buggs turned in another double-double, with 30 assists, 15 digs, and 2 service aces. Sophia Kruczko had a big offensive night, turning in 14 kills, while Jacklyn Simms had a double-double with 15 kills and 20 digs. Mikayla Kline contributed 9 kills and 7 digs. Rylie Harris, touring the libero jersey, turned in a season-high 26 digs to lead the back row.
The decisive fifth set saw Augusta surge ahead quickly, closing out the match 15-6 . The Jaguars' victory marked an impressive end to Senior Night and handed Lander its first conference loss of the season.
The Jaguars host rival USC Aiken on Saturday at 3pm followed by a men's basketball game at 5pm.
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