BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2023 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Championship began Tuesday evening with first round action as No. 5 Valdosta State defeated No. 8 West Georgia in four sets, while sixth-seed Mississippi College swept seventh-seeded Lee in three sets.
Valdosta State will now face No. 4-seed Montevallo, while Mississippi College will take on third-seeded Auburn Montgomery in the second round scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17 in Pensacola, Fla. Top-seeded West Florida will host the remaining three rounds. For more information, visit gscsports.org/23vb.
Valdosta State 3, West Georgia, 1 (25-19, 25-9, 23-25, 25-11)
The Blazers recorded their first tournament win since 2015 with a four set decision over in-state rival West Georgia. Valdosta State held its opponent .086 hitting for the match while hitting .228.
West Georgia’s attack was led by Zoe LaBreche with 13 kills, while Allison Bowser chipped in with 10. Desha Van Veldhuizen finished with 30 assists. Sanai Young had a match-high four blocks, while Kelli Kaiser anchored the backline with 23 digs.
Valdosta State’s Jojo Smith paced the offense with 18 kills and four aces, both match-highs. Christina Pettigrew followed with 10 kills and two blocks. Audrey Bennett had a match-best 39 assists, while Kaia Baker collected 33 digs.
Mississippi College 3, Lee 0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19)
The Choctaws advanced to the second round the conference tournament after hitting .260, while holding Lee to .062 for the match. Mississippi College also held a 40-20 advantage in kills.
Abby Stroh and Naomi Hockless led the Lee offense as each finished with a team-high five kills. Stroh also tied a match-high with three aces. Ashton Middleton distributed 12 assists, while Kamryn Halpin had 11 digs.
Caroline Chastang led Mississippi College as she finished with a 13-kill, 13-dig double-double, both were match-highs. Lydia Paulette, who registered 13 and 11 kills apiece. Sloane FitzHenery and Julia Abel tallied three aces apiece, while Caylin Pixley and Mary Grace Foster each had 14 assists.