Energy at the net: Augusta powers past UNC Pembroke in four sets
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
Inside Christenberry Fieldhouse on Tuesday Oct. 28, Augusta found its rhythm, and its energy, right where it has thrived all season: at the net.
The Jaguars defeated the Braves 3-1 (18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19) in a hard fought match full of momentum swings, lead changes and emotional surges on both sides of the net.
The Jags and Braves traded blows early, with long rallies and tight scorelines every set. There were 21 tie scores and nine lead changes throughout the match, showing just how competitive it was. Each time UNC Pembroke gained an edge, Augusta answered with poise, feeding off the noise and energy inside Christenberry.
Coach Sharon Quarles said that the communication at the net was a big factor in keeping that energy steady.
“It’s a lot of communication that’s needed between blockers,” said Quarles. “The location of the set, the height of the set, the speed of the set. With those type of things, you have to communicate as blockers, and not just go because you have to time it together to be able to block together.”
She added that when blocking clicks, it spreads throughout the entire team.
“It also creates energy in the atmosphere of playing,” Quarles said. “If we can get our block going, that is going to help us.”
That defensive energy helped set the tone for a balanced performance across the board. Sofiia Snitsarevych led the front line with seven total blocks, while Angela Mateos added three. Behind them, Giulia Rodrigues anchored the defense with a match-high 21 digs, followed by Hunter MacFarland with 14.
The serving game was equally impactful. MacFarland finished with a match-high five service aces, including an 8–0 serving run in the third set that shifted momentum decisively in Augusta’s favor.
“I was really focused on being more aggressive with my serve,” MacFarland said. “I have been missing more than usual lately, and that’s not normal for me, so I wanted to play it safe, but also be very aggressive. I was serving shorter than usual, which got them out of system. Coach told me to go shorter when they subbed out their passer for a middle, and I attacked her both short and deep.”
Offensively, Augusta spread the production across multiple positions. Layne Witherspoon led the attack with 12 kills on .310 hitting, while Mia Saavedra recorded her third triple-double of the season — 11 kills (.267), 23 assists, and 20 digs. The Jaguars also mixed up their offensive system throughout the night, alternating between a 5–1 and 6–2 rotation, with Sydney Harrington adding 18 assists of her own. Harrington and Witherspoon each also chipped in two aces from the service line.
“At the end of the day, I’m just trying to do my best on the court, fight for the team,” Saavedra said. “If it makes me conference player of the year, I’m happy for that, but I’m really just here for the team.”
Witherspoon said keeping her mindset steady was key to her bounce-back performance.
“When I’m struggling on one thing, like hitting, I try to focus more on other aspects of my game, like blocking, serving or serve receive,” she said. “There’s so many aspects of the game that I can make sure are okay to make sure that I can still contribute to the team.”
She added that visualization helps her stay grounded.
“If I’m not doing slides well, I’m hitting the block a lot, visualizing what I need to do,” Witherspoon said. “I start visualizing. I try to reassure myself that I know what I’m doing, that I am here for a reason, and that I can pull through.”
With the win, Augusta improves to 21–4 overall and 9–0 in the Peach Belt Conference, while UNC Pembroke drops to 12–12 (9–5 CC). The Jaguars will now travel to St. Augustine, Florida, for a crucial two-game series against Flagler College that could play a major role in determining who hosts the Peach Belt Conference Tournament later in November. Augusta and Flagler will meet Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
At the top of the page: Lauren Nelson (2) goes on the attack against the Braves’ defense.
Above: Part of the starters for Augusta for the match against UNCP look at their new introduction video before going out of the tunnel. From left to right, Lauren Nelson, Sofiia Snitsarevych, Mia Saavedra, Angela Mateos and Lauren Posa. (photo by Anna Biondolillo/the Bell Ringer)
