HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Valdosta State Blazer volleyball team rallied back to defeat the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville with a four-set Gulf South Conference victory (13-25, 25-20, 25-10, 25-14) in Huntsville, Ala. on Saturday afternoon.
The defeat over the Chargers allowed the Blazers to bounce back and improve their overall record to 13-2 and 8-2 in the GSC. Meanwhile, the Chargers dropped to 14-5 and 5-5 in conference play.
The Blazers struggled in the first set as they found themselves in an 8-0 deficit against the Chargers. The Chargers quickly took advantage by forcing the Blazers to commit costly errors all around the board. Valdosta State scrambled to stay in the match, however, the Chargers converted 14 team kills and five aces to take down the Blazers, 25-13.
Set two consisted of each team battling point for point on the scoreboard. The score would be tied 9 times before Valdosta would eventually clinch the lead over the Chargers. The Blazers transformed their offense which contributed to 16 team kills en route to capture the set, 25-20.
Valdosta State came alive in the third set as the Blazers cruised to a 25-10 win. The Chargers had no answer for the Blazers offense and defense. The Red and Black came out guns blazing by attacking key zones and mixing up their shots to keep the Chargers guessing.
The Blazers used their momentum from the third set to ultimately defeat the Chargers in the fourth and final set, 25-14. Valdosta State picked up almost every attack and transformed it to an offensive kill. The Blazers came together as one unit and dominated over the Chargers.
Junior
Susanna Peonia produced a stellar match with 15 kills and a team high attack percentage of .636. Her solid performance also included 6 blocks and 4 service aces. Senior setter
Jessica Codato whipped up 38 assists and 10 digs to convert to a double-double.
Sydney Chick led the defense with 18 digs to push past the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville.
Next up for Valdosta State, the Blazers will travel to face Mississippi College in a Gulf South Conference match on Monday, October 12. The match is scheduled to set off at 7pm in Clinton, Miss.
