ROME, Ga. – The Shorter Volleyball team battled Augusta in a tightly contested matchup Tuesday night, falling in straight sets (25-19, 27-25, 30-28) at the Winthrop-King Centre. The loss drops the Hawks to 12-15 overall.
Both sides traded blows early in the opening set, with multiple lead changes keeping the contest close. Shorter gained momentum late, taking an 18-16 advantage before Augusta responded with a decisive 9-1 run to claim the opening frame, 25-19.
The Jaguars carried their momentum into the second set, building an 18-11 lead after another competitive start. Shorter refused to go away, rattling off eight consecutive points to erase the deficit and take a 19-18 advantage. Both teams exchanged points down the stretch, but Augusta ultimately prevailed in a hard-fought 27-25 finish to take a two-set lead.
The third set proved to be another thriller, as neither side was able to establish a commanding advantage. With the score tied at 17-17, the Hawks found their rhythm offensively, using a 7-4 run to take a 24-21 lead and reach set point. Augusta responded with three straight points to even the score at 24-24, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Both teams continued to battle through multiple extended rallies, but the Jaguars ultimately outlasted Shorter in a 30-28 decision to complete the sweep.
Taylor-Reese Howell led the Hawks offensively with 11 kills and 12.0 points, while
Alexis Williams and
Whitlee Harvey each contributed eight kills. Williams added 10.5 points and three blocks, while Harvey finished with 8.5 points and nine digs.
Helena Kelley helped facilitate the Shorter offense, recording 22 assists and nine digs.
UP NEXT
Shorter returns to Conference Carolinas action Friday, hosting North Greenville at 6 p.m. inside the Winthrop-King Centre.
FOLLOW THE HAWKS
For complete coverage of Shorter Volleyball, follow the Hawks on X at @ShorterHawks and Instagram at @shorter_volleyball, or visit the official home of Shorter Athletics at goshorterhawks.com.
