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Blazer Invitational

Box Score vs Georgia Southern (PDF) 

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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Kennesaw State volleyball pulled off an impressive rally Saturday afternoon, coming back from a one-set deficit with three straight set wins for a 3-1 (19-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-19) victory over Georgia Southern (3-2) Saturday afternoon in the Blazer Invitational, hosted by UAB in Bartow Arena. The Owls evened their record to 2-2 on the year, and will close out the weekend Sunday with a 3 pm match against the host UAB squad.

The Eagles started out strong in the first set, though the Owls gained momentum with a 7-0 run to tie the set at 19-19. GSU then scored the next six points to claim the set win at 25-19 for a 1-0 lead.

THE TURNING POINT: A week ago the Owls didn't respond well after losing a chance for an early lead in the game. This time they were ready, as they took control early in the next three straight sets. A 9-1 run in the second set, a 13-4 start to the third set and an 8-2 spurt to close out the final fourth set were the difference to give the Owls a second win for the season.

OWL OF THE GAME: Lauren Chastang posted her second double-double of the season thanks to a team-high 17 kills along with 12 digs. She also led the team with a .314 hitting percentage, and added five aces as well.

STAT OF THE GAME: KSU posted a .333 hitting percentage in set three and .306 in set four. The Eagles meanwhile had a pair of sets under .035 in the game (two and three).

QUOTEABLE: "That was a nice win for our team today. We came out flat in set one, which was disappointing. But in set two we starting playing at the level we've built this program on from the defensive side of the ball, and from the service line, which completely switched the flow of the match in our favor. Fantastic performances today from Bri Becerra and Lauren Chastang. That's how seniors lead and compete. Now we'll rest tonight and get ready for a good UAB team tomorrow." – KSU head coach Keith Schunzel

NOTES:

-       Joining Chastang with double-digit kills was Dani Ballou (12) and Emma Schurfranz (11).

-       McKinely Ferguson and Becerra paced the team with 14 digs each, while Ferguson added 42 assists for her second double-double of the season.

-       A key factor in the match was service aces. The Owls finished with a season-high 13 in the match, thanks to five each from Becerra and Chastang. GSU meanwhile posted just six.

GRIFFIN'S GAME
KSU will play three straight at home next week, capped off by their final game in the KSU Classic, Friday night at 7 pm against Clemson. That also serves as this year's Griffin's Game, the annual fundraiser to help a local family in their fight against childhood cancer. Tickets for the contest are $10, while group tickets are also available. Fans can make donations or buy T-shirts as well to help the cause by clicking here.