AUGUSTA, Ga. – GRU Augusta dropped its first Peach Belt Conference match to the Columbus State Cougars in straight sets for the Jaguars' home opener on Friday the 13th in Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Junior Chandler Mass struck first to put the Jags on board in set one, but a 16-5 CSU (5-0, 1-0 PBC) run forced GRU (0-5, 0-1 PBC) Head Coach Sharon Bonaventure to call her first timeout. The Jags cut the lead in half at 22-11, but were unable to overcome the deficit falling to the Cougars 25-13.
In set two, GRU brought it to 17-16, the closest score of the night at the time, but four-straight points put CSU back on top. The Jags dropped the second meeting 25-23. Despite taking an early lead in set three off a Paige Tuttle service ace, the Jags fell 25-17 to conclude the match.
Sophomore Kailla Baptiste paced the Jags with seven kills on 29 attacks and led the digs column with 10. Junior Kristen Koch added five kills on 18 attacks and sophomore Katie Beresford and senior Jenna Keeler each contributed four. Mass paced GRU with 20 assists on the night and two service aces, while junior Maggie Darling provided eight digs and one kill.
CSU freshman Erika Gelzinyte led the Cougars with 10 kills on 23 attacks and Katie Poole notched seven on 20 swings. Ivana Krazic notched 16 assists on the night to lead her team and Kierston Smith earned 12. The Cougars out-killed GRU 38-to-24 and posted a .247 hitting percentage to GRU's .043.
The Jags host the GRU Augusta Tri-Match starting tomorrow, Saturday Sept. 14 with GRU hosting Montevallo for a PBC test at 1:00 p.m. and Pfeiffer at 5:00 p.m. after both opposing teams faceoff at 3:00 p.m. in the CFH.