Valdosta Athletics

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The Valdosta State volleyball team finished up day one of the Flagler Invitational with a split, sweeping Lees-McRae 3-0, before falling to Maryville (Mo) 1-3.

Match 1 vs Lees-McRae (25-22, 25-23, 25-22):
 

The Blazers had the upper hand in terms of offense, managing 47 kills and achieving a success rate of .230 as a team. Camryn Childers topped VSU with 14 kills, Eva LaRochelle contributed nine and Kinsley Timmons with seven. 

Eimy Negron Domenech took the lead in the defensive aspect with 24 digs, and Avery Mullins gave 16 assists and 11 digs as well. Peyton Mikles also contributed 18 assists.

Having won the first two sets by a three-point margin, the Blazers held back its most effective offensive display until the third set to seal the match. They achieved a .389 hitting percentage with 17 kills and only three errors.

Match 2 vs Maryville (Mo) (25-22, 22-25, 15-25, 21-25):
 

Valdosta State went back on the court later in the day, winning the first set but not being able to solidify the match win. 

Negron Domenech once more provided defensive coverage for the Blazers, registering 35 digs, while Mullins contributed 16 digs and 19 assists. Mikles ended the match with 16 assists.

LaRochelle was responsible for nine kills when it came to the offensive play, Asia Montagnani and Paola Aviles each having seven, and Negron Domenech managed three service aces.

 When VSU had hit .224 in the first set, its offensive output fell as Maryville picked up momentum and the Saints eventually won the fourth set, 25 to 21.

After day one, Valdosta State now has a 1-1 record in the Flagler Invitational and enters the final day of the tournament. The Blazers will play again on Saturday against the host team Flagler at 12.30 p.m. before ending the tournament with a game against Saint Leo at 8 p.m.
 

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