JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Behind a standout offensive performance from Olivia Burrage, Kennesaw State volleyball completed a two-match weekend sweep at Jacksonville State with a 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-21, 25-16) Friday evening at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
The Owls (12-14, 6-8 CUSA) recorded their 10th three-set sweep of the season and second consecutive victory. KSU hit .407 for the match, collecting 45 kills against just 12 errors, while completing its final road trip of the regular season with two victories.
OWL OF THE GAME
Burrage led Kennesaw State with 13 kills on a career-best .800 hitting percentage (13-1-15) while adding three blocks in the three-set victory.
STAT OF THE GAME
Kennesaw State hit .407 for the match, recording 45 kills and just 12 attack errors on 81 attempts, compared to Jacksonville State's .241 hitting percentage. The Owls hit above .300 in all three sets, including .435 in the first and .464 in the third.
THE RUNDOWN
Set One (KSU 25, Jax State 16)
Kennesaw State established control early, using a pair of service aces from Kourtney Brown to build a 12-6 advantage. Jacksonville State pulled within 16-13, but the Owls responded with a 4-1 run to extend the lead to 20-14. Burrage helped close out the frame with three late kills, while Ashley Theiss delivered the final point for a 25-16 victory. KSU hit .435 in the opening set.
Set Two (KSU 25, Jax State 21)
The teams traded points early before Kennesaw State used a 7-3 stretch to take a 12-8 lead. The Owls extended their advantage to 19-12 behind a balanced offensive attack, but Jacksonville State answered with six consecutive points to close within 19-18. KSU held off the rally, with Haley Patterson and Burrage combining for the final six Owl points. Burrage recorded the final two kills to secure the 25-21 victory.
Set Three (KSU 25, Jax State 16)
Kennesaw State jumped out to a 5-2 lead and continued to build its advantage throughout the final set. The Owls moved ahead 13-8 before extending the margin to 20-15. Brown followed with a service ace to make it 22-15, and KSU closed the match with a Patterson kill, an Anderson block and a Theiss kill to complete the 25-16 victory. The Owls saved their best offensive set for last, hitting .464 with 16 kills and just three errors.
QUOTABLE
Kennesaw State Head Coach Keith Schunzel
"Good job by our women both yesterday and today competing behind the service line and being really crisp on the offensive end.
"Looking forward to the matchup with Middle Tennessee next weekend to finish the regular season and honor our 3 amazing seniors."
NOTES
- Kennesaw State recorded its 10th three-set sweep of the season, improving to 10-1 in three-set matches.
- Kourtney Brown recorded a match-high 40 assists, three service aces and two blocks.
- Haley Patterson contributed eight kills on .400 hitting (8-2-15).
- Ashlyn Anderson finished with six kills on .600 hitting (6-0-10) and two blocks.
- Ava Garner added four kills on .600 hitting (4-1-5), while Maggie Byrd contributed four kills.
- Alexis Sowers led Kennesaw State with 11 digs and added one service ace.
- Gracie Pynes finished with five digs, while Ashley Theiss recorded four kills on .667 hitting and one service ace.
- KSU collected 45 kills, five service aces and five team blocks while holding Jacksonville State to just one service ace.
NEXT TIME OUT
Kennesaw State returns home for its final two regular-season matches against Middle Tennessee on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. at VyStar Arena. The weekend will also feature Senior Day recognition for the Owls' three seniors.
THE CHAMPIONS FUND
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax-deductible philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here.
