CHATTANOOGA, TN. – Jacksonville State took down the Chattanooga Mocs in five sets Tuesday evening. The Gamecocks did not play their cleanest match of the season, but they were still able to add another mark to the win column.
"I don't think either coach is real happy with that match," head coach
Derek Schroeder said. "I know we got the W, but that type of execution is not going to get us much farther this year. We have to get some intense and high-volume work done tomorrow before this weekend."
The Gamecocks (6-1) lost the first set to Chattanooga (6-2) 25-22, won the second set 25-23, lost the third 26-24, won the fourth 25-22, and clinched the win in the fifth 15-12. Jax State had six service aces, but 16 service errors to Chattanooga's three almost cost the match for Jax State. The Gamecocks were able to fight through the mistakes and eclipse their win total from last season in just seven matches.
Jax State was able to bring the win home thanks to 90 kills, 16 blocks, 60 assists, and 86 digs as a team. Individually, the Gamecocks had a big three on the backrow of
Brooklyn Schiffli with 24 digs,
Luci Wilkinson with 20 digs, and
Madison Konopka with 14 digs.
Ellie Garrett had a double-double with 50 assists and 10 digs in the win.
"Our serve receive passers were incredible," Schroeder added. "Brooklyn, Luci, Madison, all had us in system often. We got to clean up second and third contact moving forward."
Kayla Williams led the Gamecocks once again with 19 kills,
Caty Havekost had 16 kills, and
Sanni Rantanen had 15 kills.
Katelyn Crofts led Jax State with eight blocks, followed by Rantanen with seven, and Garrett with six.
The Gamecocks will now have a couple of days of preparation before heading to Florence, Ala., to partake in the UNA Invitational on Sep. 13-14. Jax State will open the event against in-state rival UAB on Sep. 13 at 1 p.m. before facing Arkansas State later that day at 4 p.m. Jax State will end the tournament with a battle against another rival in North Alabama on Saturday, Sep. 14, at 3 p.m.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Twitter (@JaxStateVB), Instagram (@JaxStateVB), and Facebook (Jacksonville State Volleyball) accounts.
