Bell Ringer

By Caleb Bohn | Sports writer

After starting the 2023 season 1-3, Augusta University's volleyball team went on to win 28 of 30 matches to finish with a 29-5 record.

The Jaguars look to be just as dominant this year with experienced returnees and some fresh faces that can add value to the squad.   

Rinse and repeat seems to be the mindset of the AU volleyball locker room as the players returning wish to make another historic season happen.

"Last year was the first time we have ever won both the regular season and conference tournament," Coach Sharon Quarles said on The Sports Squad podcast. "Peaking at the right time was important, and our group did that very well,"  

A key returnee for the Jaguars is Sophia Kruczko, who will become the No. 1 option offensively for the Jaguars. She fills the role of Jazmyn Wheeler, who won conference and region player of the year and now serves as an assistant coach. Wheeler also made second team all-America.

Defensively, the Jaguars return two of their better defenders in Rylie Harris and setter Janvier Buggs, whose leaping ability also makes her a key blocker at the net. They will look to anchor the defense along with a couple of transfers this season. Both Harris and Buggs are also outstanding servers.

One notable newcomer to help out Kruczko offensively is Marin Freeland, a transfer from Murray State who adds height and depth to this Augusta squad that is desperately needed.

"Replacing people like Jasmyn is hard, but Augusta gives the opportunity for great competition and a great place to be. People like Marin Freeland are the types of girls that fit our mold," Quarles said.

Speaking of depth, Quarles and her staff have also added a new libero in Giulia Rodrigues from UNC Asheville. Rodrigues, who will replace honorable mention all-America Dariana Luna, brings Division I experience to the defense.

Lastly, the Jaguars added a new setter to the squad to also provide a little bit of depth from Spring Hill College in Mia Saveedra. She was an AVCA all-American honorable mention as a true freshman and looks to do the same for the Jaguars this season.  

The Jaguars will try to be a dynamic team this season, Quarles said.

"Most teams focus on one to two players on a team when making their scouting reports," she said. "For us we want them to have to focus on every player on the court and make each one of them a threat."

The Jaguars start their season in the Florida Southern tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, against Palm Beach Atlantic University in Lakeland, Fla.  The Jaguars will play Lewis University on host Florida Southern on Saturday, Sept. 7.

All matches will be at the George W. Jenkins Field House at FSC in Lakeland.

It will be a homecoming weekend of sorts for Quarles and four of her players. Saveedra, Rodrigues, middle blocker Madelyn Eden and defensive specialist Libby Nickels are all from Florida. Quarles earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida.