JACKSON, Tenn. – The Valdosta State volleyball team returned to form and kicked off a short road trip to Tennessee in fine fashion on Friday night with a 3-1 (26-24, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23) Gulf South Conference win over the Union Bulldogs in Jackson, Tenn.

In the tightly contested contest, the Blazers, now 5-9 overall and 3-4 against conference opponents, were seldom able to open up a substantial lead. As a result, the Blazers were only able to outscore the Bulldogs 98-88 in the match. The spread was enough to outlast Union, however, who fell to 4-10 overall and 1-5 in GSC play.

Antia Rodriguez-Sanchez fueled the Blazer offense with a season high 17 kills in the match. The senior committed just one error in 40 attempts, which resulted in a .400 hitting percentage, a number that also represents a season high.

In addition to Rodriguez-Sanchez's sparkling performance, Susi Peonia delivered a .361 hitting percentage with 14 kills and just one error. Tristyn Sells also reached double figures in the kill column, and sophomore Carly Smart helped anchor the Blazers with 26 assists.

Valdosta State hit a season-high .285 in the match and held the opponent to just a .156 hitting percentage. On defense, Sydney Chick served as a standout with 24 digs, and Peonia completed her well-rounded effort with four total blocks and eight digs.

The Blazers return to action on Saturday against another Tennessee opponent in the form of Christian Brothers. The contest is slated for 2:00 p.m. EST.