JACKSONVILLE – The 2024 Gamecock Classic concluded with another Jacksonville State victory to improve the Gamecocks' record to 3-0 starting the season.
 
"I hope it sets the tone for we are only going to be satisfied with some wins," head coach Derek Schroeder said. "We've added a lot of pieces and the pieces that have come back are playing great. I hope that they're realizing that it all comes together, and it means big things for Jax State volleyball."
 
The Gamecocks faced the West Georgia Wolves in a battle of unbeatens. Both West Georgia and Jacksonville State claimed victories over New Orleans and Arkansas – Pine Bluff on Friday. The Gamecocks clinched the win in four sets by scores of 25-14, 23-25, 25-15, 25-18.
 
Jax State was dominate in all but one major statistical category as West Georgia had seven blocks compared to the Gamecocks' five. The Red-and-White had 60 kills, a .252 hitting percentage, 11 aces, 56 assists, 64 digs.
 
Ellie Garrett had her best game of the weekend, tallying 48 assists, 11 digs, and three kills. Brooklyn Schiffli had a team-best 15 digs. Luci Wilkinson tied Garrett for second most digs on the day with 11. Four Gamecocks had double figure kills against the Wolves. Kayla Williams led the squad with 17 kills, Sanni Rantanen and Caty Havekost had 14, and Hana Aiana had 11.
 
"I'll tell you one thing too, Brooklyn got in a car accident before practice on Thursday," Schroeder said. "She still showed up at practice, she balled out on Thursday in practice, then she balled out all-day Friday and all-day Saturday, and she earned the MVP of the tournament."
 
Rantanen led the Gamecocks with a .400 hit percentage. Rantanen and Havekost also tied for a team-high three service aces.
 
Jax State will carry the momentum from the opening weekend into the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Invitational next week. The Gamecocks will play Texas Southern on Friday, Sep. 6 at 10 a.m., the hosting Islanders on Friday, Sep. 6 at 5 p.m., and former ASUN Conference rival North Florida on Saturday, Sep. 7 at 11 a.m.
 
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Twitter (@JaxStateVB), Instagram (@JaxStateVB), and Facebook (Jacksonville State Volleyball) accounts.
 
Gamecock Classic MVP
Brooklyn Schiffli, Jax State, Sr., L/DS,
 
Gamecock Classic All-Tournament Team
Ellie Garrett, Jax State, Sr., S
Kayla Williams, Jax State, Jr., OH
Callaway Cason, West Georgia, Gr., S
Mary Morgan Formby, West Georgia, Gr., OH
Zykia Jones, Arkansas – Pine Bluff, Sr., OH
Defne Eciroglu, New Orleans, So., S
 
Gamecock Classic Results & Schedule
Friday, Aug. 30 @ 12 p.m. – Jacksonville State 3, Arkansas – Pine Bluff 0
Friday, Aug. 30 @ 2 p.m. – West Georgia 3, New Orleans 1
Friday, Aug. 30 @ 5 p.m. – West Georgia 3, Arkansas - Pine Bluff 0
Friday, Aug. 30 @ 7 p.m. – Jacksonville State 3, New Orleans 0
Saturday, Aug. 31 @ 12 p.m. – Arkansas – Pine Bluff 2, New Orleans 3
Saturday, Aug. 31 @ 2 p.m. – Jacksonville State 3, West Georgia 1