WINGATE, NC – The Augusta University volleyball team (21-7) advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional Semifinals with a decisive 3-0 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne University (25-7) on Friday at Cuddy Arena on the campus of Wingate University. The Jaguars won with set scores of 25-11, 25-18, and 25-14. Augusta, the No. 4 seed, advances to the semifinals and will face the winner of No. 1 Wingate and No. 8 Converse on Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m.
Augusta came out strong in the opening set, hitting .400 as a team and limiting Lenoir-Rhyne to a .036 hitting percentage. The Jaguars quickly built a 10-4 lead. An ace from Marrah Zenner capped a 6-1 run, and Augusta cruised to a 25-11 first-set win.
The second set featured a more competitive start, with several ties and lead changes however, AU's defense held the Bears to a .179 hitting percentage in Set 2 and a .100 hitting percentage in Set 3
Key Performances:
- Sophia Kruczko: 9 kills, 6 blocks, hitting .692
- Madelyn Eden: 9 kills, 5 blocks, hitting .381
- Mia Saavedra: 8 kills, hitting .333
- Layne Witherspoon: 7 kills, hitting .353
- Rylie Harris: 18 digs, 1 service ace.
- Marah Zenner: 6 service aces, 14 assists, and 5 digs.
- Janvier Buggs: 14 assists, 11 digs, and 2 service aces.
As a team, Augusta hit an impressive .383 while holding Lenoir-Rhyne to .113. The Jaguars tallied 11 service aces and 18 total blocks, dominating defensively and at the net.
NCAA Southeast Regional Information: The Southeast Regional is hosted by No. 1 seed Wingate University at Cuddy Arena in Wingate, NC, from December 6-8.
Event Links:
NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament Website
Next Match: Augusta will play in the NCAA Southeast Regional Semifinals on Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m. against the winner of No. 1 Wingate and No. 8 Converse.
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