Augusta volleyball prepares for regional test at USC Aiken

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | editor in chief

After a competitive opening weekend in Flroida, the Augusta University women’s volleyball team is ready to measure itself against regional oponents.

The Jaguars will not have to travel far, making the short trip to Aiken, S.C., this weekend (Sept. 12-13) for the USC Aiken Invitational. They will take on North Greenville on Friday Sept. 12 at 1 p.m., Mount Olive later that evening at 5 p.m. and close the tournament against Francis Marion on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.

All three matches will be played inside the Convocation Center on the USC Aiken Campus.

AU Coach Sharon Quarles said that the first weekend gave her team valuable lessons.

“It was a good opening weekend because we actually saw some very good talent down in Florida,” Quarles said. “We’re young, it’s early in the season, we’re juts still trying to find our rhythm.”

One major point of emphasis has been finishing sets strong. Quarles pointed to the match against Florida Southern when Augusta let a 20-14 lead slip away late in the second set.

“That’s unacceptable for us,” Quarles said. “We’ve started working in practice on playing from 20-all, just addressing the sense of urgency… you’ve got to value every point.”

For graduate student and defensive specialist Giulia Rodrigues, the key is trust and accountability on the court.

“I think it’s trusting one another and knowing that we’re here to play and compete,” Rodrigues said. “If you do your part, then everything will come together.”

As one of the most experienced players on the team, Rodrigues has embraced a leadership role.

“Just be vocal and do my job well, so then other people can not only respect me, but also build their confidence in their play as well,” she said.

With three matches in two days against regional competition, Augusta has an early opportunity to establish momentum. For Quarles, the message is clear: “You’ve got to play flawless volleyball".”

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.

At the top, The Jaguars huddle up during practice ahead of this weekend’s USC Aiken Invitational. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer) At the bottom, Setter Sydney Harrington, recently named Peach Belt Conference Specialist of the Week, serves it up during the annual Navy and Grey game. (photo by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)