News Summary
The Augusta University volleyball team showcased their strength at the USC Aiken Invitational, securing victories in all their matches. The Jaguars improved their record to 4-1 after defeating North Greenville in a thrilling comeback and sweeping Mount Olive. Strong performances were highlighted by impressive offensive stats and solid defensive actions, setting a competitive tone for the season ahead.
Aiken, S.C. – The Augusta University volleyball team achieved a strong performance at the USC Aiken Invitational held on September 12-13, 2025, winning all their matches. The Jaguars faced North Greenville and Mount Olive on September 12, followed by a match against Francis Marion on September 13. This tournament marked an important step in their season as they improved their overall record to 4-1.
In their opening match on September 12, Augusta came from behind to defeat North Greenville. After losing the first set 14-25, the Jaguars rallied to win the next three sets with scores of 25-15, 26-24, and 26-24. The team registered 52 kills and achieved a hitting percentage of .220. In comparison, North Greenville had a hitting percentage of .171. The Jaguars also displayed a solid defensive effort, totaling 68 digs and achieving 7.0 total blocks. Player performance highlights included a team-leading 15 kills from Lauren Nelson, 13 kills and 13 digs from Mia Saavedra, along with 10 kills from Layne Witherspoon and a notable performance in defense from libero Giulia Rodrigues, who recorded 21 digs.
Later that day, Augusta faced Mount Olive and achieved a convincing sweep with set scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-21. The Jaguars continued to push their offensive capabilities, accumulating 46 kills and a hitting percentage of .225 against Mount Olive. Saavedra particularly stood out, leading her team with 17 kills and a hitting percentage of .311, the highest of the match. The defensive setup remained strong, as the team matched Mount Olive’s total with 69 digs and recorded 14.0 blocks. Sydney Harrington contributed significantly by providing 30 assists during this match.
On September 13, Augusta was scheduled to play Francis Marion at 5 p.m., wrapping up their participation in the invitational. With an impressive start in the tournament, the Jaguars carried a record of 4-1 into this decisive match.
Before entering the USC Aiken Invitational, Augusta had participated in the Florida Southern Classic, where they secured victories against Saint Leo and Hillsdale but lost to the Florida Southern Moccasins. Setter Sydney Harrington had an exceptional performance at the preseason event, earning the Peach Belt Conference Specialist of the Week honor for her remarkable tally of 117 assists during the tournament.
As the Augusta Jaguars continue their season, their recent performances highlight a blend of offensive strength and defensive resilience. With a growing record, they are positioning themselves as a competitive force within their conference.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Jags: Volleyball Achieves Wins at USC Aiken Invitational
- Wilson Times: Area Calendar for Sports Events
- Easley Progress: FMU Volleyball Preseason Poll
- Augusta Jags: Jaguar Volleyball Prepares for Season
- Upstate Spartans: Staff Directory – John Winters
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Google Search: Augusta University Volleyball
- Google Scholar: Volleyball Team Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Google News: Augusta Jaguars Volleyball
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