Fresh off a 19-14 record, a trip to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Quarterfinals, and a No. 10 regional ranking, Augusta begins the season for the third straight year at the Queens Invitational Sept. 2-3 on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C. The Jags play four non-conference matches to commence the year in the two-day tournament.
"We are looking forward to facing our conference foes across the net, but in addition to that, the 2016 schedule will provide ample opportunities for us to evaluate the region as a whole." Quarles said. "Our 14 regional matches outside of conference play is a good barometer."
We definitely want to improve upon our regional ranking during the 2015 campaign where we finished in 10th.
Competitive and balanced is a great way to describe both our schedule as well as our players. We are ready to start working in the gym and come together as a team.
The squad hosts the 2016 Augusta Invitational in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, Sept. 10 with Georgia College, North Greenville, and Southern Wesleyan. The tournament features four matches across one day and the Jags open play against North Greenville and conclude with Southern Wesleyan.
Peach Belt play starts on the road for Augusta with a trip to Columbus State (Sept. 16) and Montevallo (Sept. 17). The Jags host rival USC Aiken (Sept. 21) for their first conference test at home and entertain Georgia College (Sept. 24) to cap off the week.
Parents Weekend will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Christenberry Fieldhouse. Augusta hosts Francis Marion on Friday night before returning Saturday to play a doubleheader with UNC Pembroke and crosstown rival Paine College.
The Jags host Montevallo for a midweek PBC matchup Oct. 4, before hitting the road for six straight matches including the Regional Crossover tournament in Jefferson City, Tenn., on the campus of Carson-Newman University.
Augusta continues their fundraising efforts with the hosting of the annual Pink Out match on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The Jaguars take on Lander at 7:00 p.m. while raising awareness and support for the Augusta University Cancer Center.
Another hefty-road stint begins Oct. 22 at Belmont Abbey and sees Augusta play six matches that ends with a trip to Erskine Nov. 1.
Augusta hosts three-straight league matches to conclude regular-season home play. The Jags welcome Armstrong (Nov. 4), Flagler (Nov. 5), and Columbus State (Nov. 9) before playing at Lander (Nov. 11) and USC Aiken (Nov. 12) to close out the regular-season schedule.
The PBC Tournament lasts from Nov. 18-20 and is hosted this year by Georgia College in Milledgeville, Ga.
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