VALDOSTA, Ga. - Following a tough non-conference weekend in Lakeland, Fla., it's back to Gulf South Conference action this week for the Valdosta State volleyball team, beginning with a Tuesday evening home match at The Complex against the West Florida Argonauts, who currently rank at No. 22 in the most recent American Volleyball Coaches Association national poll.

UWF enters Tuesday's matchup with a 17-5 overall record and a 10-2 record against league opponents, while the Blazers hold a 14-6 record overall and a 9-3 conference record. If the Blazers can keep their undefeated home record intact and defeat the Argonauts, Head Coach Mike Swan and his club will move to an incredibly favorable second place position in the league standings as the GSC Tournament approaches.

Keys to victory for the Blazers will include a strong blocking effort and a consistent attack. Valdosta State has shown flashes of brilliance this season in both, particularly in the blocking category, where Valdosta State ranks among the GSC's best. The team has racked up 162 blocks on the year and is averaging just under two blocks per set. The only team in the conference with more blocks is UWF, though they lead the Blazers by just eight with 170.

Strong defense has been another stalwart for Valdosta State this season, due in large part to senior libero Ashley Lala. Prior to last week, Lala's career high for digs in one contest stood at 24, a mark the Kenner, La. native reached three times in her career. That record was eclipsed twice last week, as Lala reached the quarter-century mark with 25 digs in back-to-back contests against Rollins and Eckerd. Her consistent play on the week earned the Blazer libero 92 digs on the week and an incredible average of 4.84 digs per set.

The Argonaut roster features a variety of offensive weapons, but if the Blazers will like their chances if they can find an answer for sophomore Cora Bidlack. The Randolph, N.J. native represents the leading threat for UWF with the team lead in kills (168), kills per set (2.67, and hitting percentage (.281) among players who have played more than 50 sets on the year. The team carries a .229 hitting percentage and clocks in at 1.33 service aces per set.

Defensively, the Argonauts lead the league in blocking with 170 total blocks and an average of 2.18 per set and pick up an average of 15.06 digs per set, which places them fourth in the GSC rankings.

The match will tip off at 6:00 p.m. EST, and will be covered live at www.vstateblazers.com. Also, don't forget to follow the Blazers on Twitter (@BlazerAthletics) and Facebook at Valdosta State Athletics.