CARROLLTON, Ga. – The Valdosta State volleyball team rallied back to defeat the Wolves of West Georgia in an intense four-set, 3-1 (13-25, 28-26, 25-15, 25-21) Gulf South Conference triumph on Saturday morning in Carrollton, Ga.

The victory improved the Blazers overall team record to 4-6 and 2-1 in GSC play. Meanwhile, West Georgia dropped to 3-7 overall and 0-3 in conference action.

The Blazers opened up the first set of the match sluggish, as they trailed the Wolves by a ten-point deficit. VSU attempted to claw their way back but costly errors proved to be too much, as West Georgia continued to widen the gap. The Blazers were quickly left behind as the Wolves ultimately captured the first set, 25-13.

Valdosta State entered the second set with a vengeance, as the two teams went head to head. The Blazers found their rhythm midway through the set and caused the Wolves to trail 18-10. VSU continued to dominate and had a solid 24-21 lead over the Wolves. However, West Georgia proved that they still had some fight left in them. With two kills and an attack error, West Georgia tied the match 24 all. The two teams exchanged points until Ashley Miller and Tristyn Sells put up a wall to block the Wolves and eventually clinched the set, 28-26.

Carly Smart got things going in the third set, as she picked up two service aces to allow the Blazers to remain hot. Valdosta State took advantage of the Wolves by dominating in almost every category. The Blazers produced 12 team kills which fashioned a tremendous .423 hitting percentage and allowed VSU to dominate the set, 25-15.

The momentum pushed over to the fourth and final set as the Blazers quickly captured a 6-0 lead which consisted of two kills from Sells. The Wolves accumulated only 13 team kills compared to the Blazers 18 kills to secure the victory over West Georgia, 25-21.

Susanna Peonia and Sells both led the Blazers with 14 kills apiece while Rodriguez-Sanchez added a solid performance of 13 kills and 12 digs to land herself a double-double. Ashley Miller led the team in blocks as she racked up four on the game. Meanwhile, Natalia Campos led the defense with 18 digs, and Carly Smart guided the offense with 28 assists.

The Valdosta State Blazers will return home for the first time this season to face West Florida in a GSC showdown. The game is scheduled on Tuesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. in The Complex.