MOBILE, Ala. - South Alabama (1-0) begins the 2023 season in the win column defeating Stephen F. Austin (1-1) 3-1.
The Jaguars started off hot, creating early separation in the set through a pair of service aces from Niki Capizzi. A pair of block assists from Abryanna Cannon fueled South's defense while the offense was spearheaded by Maddie Soboleski's six kills to take Set 1, 25-18.
Defense stayed strong with back-to-back blocks for two of the Jags' first three points. USA then created separation with a 10-1 run with a score of 23-12. Hannah Maddux left no doubt on the set-winner with a commanding kill to finalize the score at 25-16.
Set 3 remained competitive throughout with neither side gaining separation from one another. Both sides were unwilling to give up a set point until SFA clinched the extended round 28-26 even after a vocal solo block by Kailey Keeble.
Set 4 looked much the same. Any time a team made a play, the other made a response. The Jaguars played the long game though, waiting until at 21-21 tie to break away with kills from Abryanna Cannon and Paige Lynn. The match was set in stone with a defiant block from Capizzi and Keeble.
Maddux and Maddie Soboleski both tallied 17 kills, while Soboleski and Capizzi earned double-doubles. With Capizzi's double-double from 10 total blocks and 11 kills, and Soboleski's from her kills and 13 digs. Cannon's South Alabama debut featured 10 kills, four digs, and four total blocks. The team leader in digs was from Lynn, and Keeble recorded a team-high 48 assists.
NOTABLES
-The Jaguars are now 2-5 all time vs SFA.
- South is 2-1 in season openers, and 3-0 in home openers under Coach Jesse Ortiz.
- South is now 21-1 at home under Coach Ortiz.
- Team tallied 16 team blocks, a number only met twice last season.
UP NEXT
South Alabama continues play in the Jaguar Invitational hosting Jackson State on Saturday, August 26, at 3 p.m.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
To stay up to date on everything South Alabama Volleyball, follow the Jags on Twitter (@SouthAlabamaVB), Facebook (SouthAlabamaAthletics), Instagram (SouthAlabamaVB), or visit the official home of South Alabama Athletics (usajaguars.com).
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