PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Augusta University Jaguars staged an impressive comeback to defeat the UNC Pembroke Braves in a thrilling five-set match on Tuesday night at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court, improving their record to 9-2 on the season.

The Jaguars won the match with set scores of 23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-20, and 15-13, showcasing resilience after dropping the first two sets.

In the opening set, Augusta battled back and forth with UNC Pembroke, with six ties throughout the set. Despite a late push by the Jaguars, the Braves managed to edge out a 25-23 win. The second set followed a similar pattern, as the Jaguars kept it close but couldn't overcome the Braves, falling 25-20 to trail 0-2.

Refusing to back down, Augusta came out strong in the third set. With a more aggressive attack led by Sophia Kruczko and Jada Suguturaga, the Jaguars took control in the latter stages, securing a 25-22 victory to stay alive in the match. The momentum carried into the fourth set, where the Jaguars continued to apply pressure. A balanced offensive effort helped Augusta maintain a lead, eventually taking the set 25-20 and forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, both teams exchanged leads multiple times, but Augusta showed poise down the stretch. A pair of kills from Kruczko and a crucial block by Suguturaga helped the Jaguars edge out a 15-13 win to complete the comeback.

Kruczko led Augusta with a standout performance, tallying 18 kills while hitting .333. Suguturaga also contributed significantly with 13 kills and a match-high 8 blocks, while Marin Freeland added 8 kills. Janvier Buggs directed the offense with 29 assists and chipped in 13 digs, and Giulia Rodrigues anchored the defense with 22 digs.

The Jaguars hit .184 for the match, with 62 kills and 26 errors on 196 total attacks, while UNC Pembroke hit .180 with 63 kills and 28 errors on 194 attacks.

Augusta will return to action on September 27, when they host Flagler to open Parents Weekend.. Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com.

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