VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State volleyball team rallied back to defeat the Hawks of Shorter in an intense, five-set 3-2 (25-18, 26-28, 25-16, 18-25, 15-12) Gulf South Conference triumph on Saturday night at The Complex.

The victory improved Valdosta State's streak of wins at The Complex to 22 and improved their overall team record to 19-5, 14-2 in GSC play. Meanwhile, Shorter dropped to 12-10 overall and 10-6 in conference action.

The Blazers opened up the first set by dominating at the net. The front line accumulated 15 kills and only four attack errors over the Hawks six kills and eight hitting errors to secure the first set, 25-18.

The Hawks entered the second set with vengeance, as the two teams went point for point until the Hawks finally took the set, 28-26. Valdosta State produced a mere .220 hitting percentage in the frame, while the Hawks countered with a .283 attack percentage to gain the edge.

The Blazers rallied back and dominated the third set, 25-16. Valdosta State topped the Hawks in almost every statistical category in the set, producing 18 team kills with only four attack errors for a .424 hitting percentage.

Shorter answered back again, however, to clinch set four, 25-18. The Hawks used aggressive serving to shake up VSU's serve receive and force the Blazers out of system throughout the set. Shorter took advantage of nearly every opportunity to rack up 16 kills against the Blazers' nine.

Valdosta State entered the fifth and final set with a slow start, but with the match on the line, the Blazers fought their way back and tied the set at 11-11. Key blocks from Ashley Miller, Antia Rodriguez-Sanchez, and Susanna Peonia down the stretch helped the Blazers' score the deciding 15-12 win.

Jessica Codato recorded her second triple-double of the season with 13 kills, 47 assists, and 14 digs in the VSU's thrilling victory. Meanwhile, Lea Jaklen led the offense after hammering down 23 kills and also contributing 17 digs.

Defensive leaders for the Blazers included Peonia, who threw down seven blocks, and Natalia Campos, who racked up 25 digs.

Valdosta State will travel to Memphis, Tenn. where they will face off against Christian Brothers in a GSC match. The game is scheduled for Friday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m.