Lady Jaguars prevail

After her team spoiled senior nights at Francis Marion and Lander, Augusta State volleyball coach Sharon Bonaventure tried not to think the worst Wednesday.

"It's our senior night," she said. "Please don't spoil ours."

Augusta State rallied to score the final five points in the fourth game for a 24-26, 25-18, 25-20, 26-24 win over rival USC Aiken. The Lady Jaguars swept the season series with their rival.

The Lady Pacers appeared like they were going to extend the match to five games, with a 24-21 lead. But the Lady Jaguars staved off three game points and eventually pulled out the win.

"We just showed we wanted it more," said Augusta State senior Jessica Howard, who had a match-high 22 kills. "We had the drive to take it."

It's been a remarkable turnaround for Augusta State, which finished 14-21 last season and was picked in a preseason coaches poll to finish seventh among eight teams. The Lady Jaguars (22-10 overall) are third in the Peach Belt Conference with a 9-5 record.

Augusta State, which plays Saturday at Anderson, is closing in on matching its best season in school history. The Lady Jaguars finished 23-13 in 1995.

"Who would've thought it?" Bonaventure said. "I'm just thrilled the girls are responding to what we're trying to do.

"We're not even peaking yet."

USC Aiken lost its seventh match in a row to fall to 13-16 overall, 5-8 conference.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.