VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State Blazer volleyball team extended their winning streak to eight in a row as they defeated the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville with a three-set Gulf South Conference victory (25-18, 25-19, 25-18 ) in Valdosta, Georgia on Friday night.

The defeat over the Chargers allowed the Blazers to improve their overall record to 22-5 and 17-2 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Chargers dropped to 19-13 overall and 10-9 in GSC play.

The Blazers came out hot, as they took an early 9-2 over the Chargers. The Chargers tried to rally back but their mistakes proved to be costly. Valdosta State accumulated 17 team kills compared to the Chargers eight in order to clinch the set 25-18.

Valdosta State used their momentum to stretch their lead by five points in the second set over the Chargers. The Blazers outnumbered the Chargers in team kills, which produced a higher hitting percentage of .171 in order to capture the set, 25-19.

The Chargers answered back in the third set by scoring six unanswered points to open the frame. The Blazers rallied back, however, after two explosive kills from Susanna Peonia to get right back in the game. The two teams went point for point throughout the set, but the Blazers forced the Chargers to commit costly errors that would lead to their dismay. Sara Dandridge and Ashley Miller put up a wall on the last point to stop an attack from the Chargers and finish off the match with a 25-18 sweep over the Chargers.

Peonia showcased a stellar performance, as she led the offense with 14 kills and produced a .464 hitting percentage. Lea Jaklen added 12 kills and 11 digs to contribute a double-double performance, while Natalia Campos guided the defense and tallied 15 digs overall.

Next up for Valdosta State, the Blazers will be back in action on Sunday, November 15^th to face North Alabama in a Gulf South Conference match at The Complex. The match is scheduled to set off at 1:00 p.m. in Valdosta, Ga, and will serve as Senior Day for Jaklen, Jess Codato, and Krista Bradford.