Jaguars rally past Flagler behind strong serving and balanced attack
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
After dropping the opening set, Augusta volleyball stormed back to take the next three and defeat Flagler, 3–1, on Saturday Oct. 4, at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars improved to 13–2 overall and 4–0 in Peach Belt play with the win.
The set scores were 24–26, 25–21, 25–18, and 25–15.
At the top of the page, Angela Mateos (12) and Sofiia Snitsarevych (11) go up for a block during the match against Flagler on Saturday Oct. 4 at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
In the middle, libero Giulia Rodrigues (4) sets up the right side for an attack during the Jaguars’ match against the Saints. (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
Augusta’s offense caught fire after a slow start, hitting .295 as a team while holding Flagler to .277. Sofiia Snitsaryevych led the charge with 16 kills on a .419 hitting percentage, while Layne Witherspoon was dominant at the net while also achieving a double-double. She finished with 14 kills, 14 digs and 4 blocks.
From the service line, Hunter MacFarland made a major impact, tallying five aces as the Jaguars found their rhythm midway through the second set.
“We definitely were targeting specific zones,” MacFarland said. “I trust coach’s judgement. We definitely were targeting some players, just because they had to do two things at once, hit and pass. We tried to stay consistent with fly and low balls and hitting it as deep as we can while still hitting our max speed.”
After losing a close first set, Augusta responded by tightening up defensively and finding more balance offensively. Snitsaryevych said her performance came from a renewed focus after a few tough matches.
“I was motivated to do better,” Snitsaryevych said. “I’ve had a few games where I’ve played bad, so I had to upgrade my stats.”
Witherspoon’s presence at the net was another difference-maker, helping the Jaguars control the tempo in the final two sets.
“We tried to contain them, especially from a serving perspective, getting them out of system so they aren’t an option,” Witherspoon said.
Coach Sharon Quarles credited her team’s adjustments and depth for fueling the comeback after the first set.
“Getting our outsides going,” Quarles said. “We made the adjustment with Ronya (Shackleford) — she came in and contributed. And then we emphasized engaging the middles because we weren’t engaging them before. When we can engage them and force the middle, we can open up the pins.”
Quarles also praised her team’s readiness and flexibility across the roster.
“Everyone needs to stay ready,” she said. “Because you don’t know when your number is going to be called to get out there or come off the court, because it’s all about production. Good luck to any team that tries to scout us from here on out because we don’t know until we get out there for warmups. How we look, who’s gonna do what individually — that’s when you get a feel for who’s dialed in and who’s not. That’s where you have to make adjustments.”
Augusta is back on the court Tuesday, Oct. 7 against Emmanuel University at 7 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse. It’s also the Cancer Awareness — “Here to Win” Game, so wear your pink and come cheer on the Jags!
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
Hunter MacFarland serves for the Jaguars, who are alone in first place in the Peach Belt Conference. MacFarland finished with five aces for AU (13-2). (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
