Jaguar volleyball set for stretch against Alabama Huntsville, Motevallo, and Mississippi College

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | editor in chief

The Augusta University women’s volleyball team returns to action this weekend at the USC Aiken Convocation Center for a three-match slate.

The Jaguars will face Alabama Hunstville on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m., the University of Montevallo on Friday Sept. 19 at 1 p.m., and Mississippi College on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m.

As the team prepares to play three matches in as many days, defensive specialist Hunter MacFarland highlighted the importance of recovery and preparation.

“We need to get hydrated and sleep a lot,” she said. “A lot of the girls did mobility stuff today, stretching to get ready… and then me personally, just getting as many reps as I can, like today in serve-receive and stretching, staying hydrated, make sure I’m eating well.”

McFarland also noted that her focus heading into the weekend is on reading the opposing hitters and communicating with her teammates in the back row.

“Coach is obviously gonna tell us what the girl’s tendency is, for each hitter, the outside, the middle,” she explained." “ Most hitters have a tendency to either hit only cross, only line, or switch it up. So getting prepared for that, watching the games before… and make sure I’m communicating with the back row, talking on serve-recieve, and just watch the ball.”

A transfer from Northwestern State University, MacFarland said she already feels her role at Augusta is clear.

“Augusta is a lot different from my old school. but it’s different in a good way. I have a lot more time and freedom to grow here, so that’s a great thing. I’m learning to be independent, and as a defensive specialist, the team relies on me to pass serve-receive balls and serve, that’s what I got to do. I have to go out there and perform. So yeah, I just take away that stress from hitters.”

The Jaguars enter the weekend at 5-1 after last weekend’s sweep over Francis Marion and will look to keep their momentum rolling in the three-match stretch at USC Aiken.

Note: At the top of the page, Augusta defensive specialist, Hunter MacFarland (3) prepares to serve during the Jaguar’s match against North Greenville University on Sept. 12. (Photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/The Bell Ringer)