Nelson’s night propels Jags past Pacers
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in Chief
Aiken, S.C.—Inside the USC Aiken Convocation Center, Augusta volleyball bounced back from a tough loss with a composed and balanced performance, defeating the Pacers 26-24, 25-19, 15-25, 25-15 on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
After falling behind 11-4 in the opening set, the Jaguars clawed back with grit and steady play to take the frame in extra points. The comeback was fueled by defensive stops from Mia Saavedra and Layne Witherspoon, along with timely serving from Hunter MacFarland and Sydney Harrington.
Senior outside hitter Lauren Nelson once again led the charge, finishing with 20 kills on .277 hitting. Her leadership and aggressiveness helped the Jaguars maintain control in key stretches, supported by Sofiia Snitsarevych and Witherspoon, who combined for 15 kills. Harrington directed the offense with 29 assists, while libero Giulia Rodrigues anchored the back row with 18 digs.
“Being gritty and really going after the ball,” Nelson said. “I have really high hopes for this team. We need to put a mark on every match and every set that we play.”
After a clean second set that saw Augusta take full command behind two service aces from Witherspoon, USC Aiken responded in the third with strong serving of its own. But the Jaguars quickly reestablished control in the fourth, racing out to a 7-1 lead and never looking back.
Snitsarevych, who finished with seven kills and two blocks, said the team came in determined to respond.
“It’s important because we have to show our best,” she said. “After losing against Lander, we needed to bounce back.”
With the win, Augusta improves to 23-7 overall and 11-3 in Peach Belt Conference play, remaining second behind Flagler. USC Aiken falls to 14-14 overall and 6-8 in conference play.
Nelson said the team’s mentality remains sharp heading into the final match of the regular season and then the postseason.
“We need to show everyone who we are,” she said. “Every single team is standing in our way. We need to treat every team as if they’re the best team in the conference, and just go out there and win.”
The Jaguars return to action on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the USC Aiken Convocation Center for the Pacers’ Senior Night. First serve is set for 1 p.m.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
At the top of the page, AU’s Lauren Nelson (2) gets one of her 20 kills during the match against USCA. Below, Libby Nickels (14) celebrates her match-ending ace alongside Giulia Rodrigues (4) and Sydney Harrington (13). (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
