AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta University volleyball team used its annual Blue and Grey intrasquad scrimmage as a final tune-up before opening the 2025 season on the road this weekend at the Florida Southern Classic.

The Jaguars played three sets on Friday night at Christenberry Fieldhouse, with the Blue squad taking the first two frames (27-25, 25-22) before Grey responded in the third (25-23).

"What we saw tonight was not what we have seen in practice," said head coach Sharon Quarles. "Players stepped up, more than what we've seen in the season so far. It was great to have this opportunity to put them in a situation where they can start competing."

Quarles praised the atmosphere inside Christenberry, noting the energy from fans and the balance between the two squads. Still, she saw areas to address.

"Our serves were not working for us. We missed way too many serves," Quarles said. "And we need to work on getting those last-minute jitters out, and get to know the people we're playing next to."

Building on 2024 Success

Augusta is coming off a 22-8 season that included its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance. The Jaguars reached the semifinals of the Southeast Regional, sweeping their opening-round opponent before falling to No. 1 Wingate. Along the way, AU knocked off PBC regular-season champion Lander in the conference tournament semifinals.

This year's roster looks different, with 11 newcomers joining five returners. The mix includes five Division I transfers, one Division II transfer, three international signees, and two true freshmen. Graduate libero Giulia Rodrigues is back to anchor the back row after being named to the PBC Preseason All-Conference Team. Rodrigues averaged 3.71 digs per set last year and was also recognized on the league's Team of Academic Distinction.

In the PBC Preseason Coaches Poll, Augusta was picked second with 21 points and one first-place vote, trailing only Lander (23 points, four first-place votes).

"Preseason poll released equals the start of the '25 season is upon us—that is an exciting thing!" Quarles said. "With five returners and 11 new players in the program and still be ranked No. 2 by the coaches, we appreciate the vote of confidence. I like to say Augusta volleyball always has something 'cooking on the court.' We might be new and, in many aspects, young, but the guarantee is we are going to make some noise even as we work to figure out our rhythm early in the season."

Opening Stretch

The Jaguars will open their regular season in Lakeland, Fla., with three matches at the Florida Southern Classic:

• Friday, Sept. 5 – vs. Saint Leo (10 a.m.)

• Friday, Sept. 5 – vs. Hillsdale (4 p.m.)

• Saturday, Sept. 6 – at Florida Southern (5 p.m.)

The second weekend takes Augusta to Aiken for a neutral-site slate against North Greenville, Mount Olive, and Francis Marion on Sept. 12-13.

Augusta's home opener is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, when the Jaguars host Middle Georgia State and Mount Olive at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

"I think we're ready to go to Florida," Quarles said.

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