Box Score JACKSON, Tenn. - The Valdosta State Blazer volleyball team extended their winning streak to seven in a row as they defeated the scrappy Lady Bulldogs of Union University with a three-set (25-20, 25-15, 25-15) Gulf South Conference victory in Jackson, Tennessee on Saturday afternoon.

The defeat over the Lady Bulldogs allowed the Blazers to improve their overall record to 21-5 and 16-2 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs dropped to 8-19 overall and 7-11 in GSC play.

Union entered the contest with a strong start, causing the Blazers to trail by a five-point deficit. The Lady Bulldogs used aggressive serves to force Valdosta State to get out of system and send over easy free-balls, which allowed the Lady Bulldogs to capitalize offensively. However, with three forced errors from the Bulldogs and two strategic kills by Susanna Peonia, the Blazers found themselves right back in the game. Valdosta State used 14 key kills from five different players to ultimately clinch the first set 25-20 over Union.

The Lady Bulldogs had no answer for the Blazers as they took control of set two for a 10-3 lead. Lea Jaklen proved to be a powerhouse for Valdosta State, as she racked up nine kills from both the front and back row of the court. Jaklen mixed up her swings ranging from explosive attacks to tricky tips, which eventually allowed the Blazers to capture the second set, 25-15.

Valdosta State continued their momentum and came out untouchable in the third set. The Blazers controlled the set from start to finish and ran away with the set for a 25-15 win.

Lea Jaklen recorded a stellar double-double performance as she accumulated a team-high 18 kills and also led defensively with 15 digs for the match. Jessica Codato also executed a solid double-double match with 37 assists and 14 digs.

"Our serve receive was really strong this match," said Head Coach Mike Swan following the match. "Consequently, Jess was able to distribute the ball all over the net to our hitters and we got quality swings at every position. We are anxious to wrap up the regular season at home next weekend and to try and extend this winning streak."  

Next up for Valdosta State, the Blazers will return home to battle Alabama-Huntsville in a Gulf South Conference match on Friday, November 13^th at The Complex. The match is scheduled to set off at 6:00 p.m. in Valdosta, Ga.