Match 1: GSU 3, SCSU 0
ATLANTA – In the opening match of the GSU Invitational, Georgia State defeated South Carolina State in three sets. The Panthers got off to a fast start and carried that momentum to the finish line to defeat the Bulldogs 25-9, 25-13 and 25-18 at the GSU Sports Arena.
Georgia State (4-6) was able to snap a five match losing skid Friday evening against S.C. State, who fell to 0-13 on the season.
Senior Kate Rawls led a balanced Panther attack with 11 kills on the match to go along with three digs. Freshman Madelyn Ott contributed six kills off the bench. Katie Creger, Shae Chapman and Sydney Stroud combined for 12 kills. Sarah Renner and Hanna Weiland added 19 and 13 kills, respectively.
GSU was also fairly balanced defensively with Friesen and Anna Rantala totaling 11 combined digs. The Panthers finished with 11 aces on the match, outscoring the Bulldogs by eight in that department.
Brianna Dafney and Ashante Finney led South Carolina State with 13 total kills, but Georgia State's effective services and attacking firepower proved too much for the visiting Bulldogs. Overall, the coaching staff was pleased with the team's effort level.
“We came ready to play tonight and earned a great team win. This was our first opportunity to defend our home court and we are happy with the outcome. We are excited to get back out here tomorrow and compete against a strong ECU team," head coach Sally Polhamus said.
The Panthers got off to a very fast start in the match. The home team took a 15-5 lead in the opening set after Creger's kill from Renner. Creger's four kills propelled GSU to a fast start and a 1-0 lead in the match.
Rawls got going in the second frame with three kills. Her ace gave Georgia State a 23-12 lead before taking it 25-13 in a dominant game performance. Rawls picked up right where she left off in the third with an additional six kills. She had help from Ott's four kills and Weiland's 11 assists. The Bulldogs hung tough, but the Panthers took the final frame 25-18 in an all-around team effort.
Georgia State will be back in action tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. against undefeated Eastern Carolina at the GSU Sports Arena. Be sure to come out and support the Panthers.
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