VALDOSTA, Ga. - At The Complex, Friday night, the Valdosta State volleyball team fought hard in their closely contested GSC match against the Falcons of Montevallo. The Blazers took the first set but Montevallo pushed back hard, securing the 3-1 win. The third set was the most intense part of the night, involving several changes of lead and exceeding the usual 25 point set.
Eva LaRochelle was in charge of the Blazer attack, registering 17 kills, and Maddie Kilmer also landed 13 kills along with seven blocks. Avery Mullins led VSU with 44 assists, helping the offense land attacks. Eimy Negron Domenech was the base of the defensive work with 30 digs, Aubrie Arnold and Addison Cooley each secured 15 digs.
Paola Aviles provided six kills and two blocks while Kinsley Timmons and Maddie Goodwin each added five kills. LaRochelle had three total blocks as the Blazers managed 11 blocks altogether for the match.
Valdosta State started off strong in the first set, taking the early lead and winning 25-17. In the second set the Falcons reacted and took the lead, then VSU reduced the gap by contributions from Timmons and Camryn Childers. But Montevallo regained momentum and finished the set 25-17.
The most intense part of the night, the third set, Montevallo gained the early lead and VSU countered at the net. Kilmer and LaRochelle not letting many attacks past their blocks. Most of the set was a back and forth between the teams point by point. Reaching the end of the set, the Falcons tied it up 24-24 at the last second. From that moment on, neither side was budging. Kilmer had a crucial block that gave VSU the advantage, but Montevallo replied with three consecutive points to win the set 32-30.
In the last set, the Blazers kept the score tight during the early plays. When the score reached 15-15, Montevallo started to pull away. Valdosta State continued to press, however the Falcons held on to their lead and won the final set 25-21.
The Blazers had 108 digs and 11 total blocks, and Montevallo had 109 digs with eight blocks. This is the closest contested match of the season for the Blazers and gives them an idea of what they are up against when it comes to the GSC conference tournament.Â
With a quick turn around, the Blazers will play again at The Complex against UAH on Saturday Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. for Youth Day.
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