Nov. 7, 2010
by Koby Padgett
Assistant Media Relations Director
ATHENS, Ga. – The Gamecocks (5-20, 2-13 SEC) could not overcome a dominating offensive performance by the home team, as Georgia (12-15, 4-12 SEC) swept a three-set decision, 25-23, 25-14, 25-20, on Sunday afternoon at the Ramsay Student Center.
Georgia hit .393 in the contest, posting .400 or better marks in the first and third sets. The other big difference came in blocks, as the Bulldogs had seven blocks compared to one for the Gamecocks. All seven of Georgia’s blocks came in the final two sets. South Carolina did win the digs battle, 31-27.
South Carolina got out to a 9-6 lead in the first before Georgia stormed back with seven of the next nine to capture the 13-11 advantage. The Bulldogs later grew the lead to 21-16. A block by Olivia Ryder and Teresa Stenlund brought the Gamecocks within three at 21-18, but Georgia got to set point on Simone May’s at 24-20. Carolina fought off three set points, but Valentina Gonzalez put away a quick set on the fourth try to take the first set, 25-23. Georgia middle blockers Ann Dylla and Gonzalez both posted six kills.
Georgia used the momentum gained in winning the first set to take a 25-14 win in the second. The Bulldogs held the Gamecocks to a -.069 hitting percentage in the frame, while they posted a .350 hitting percentage. Georgia libero Carla Tietz had five digs in the second alone.
The Bulldogs ran out to an 8-3 lead in the third set before the Gamecocks used a three-point stand to get within two at 11-9. That would be as close as South Carolina could get the rest of the way, as the Bulldogs never let the Gamecocks post back-to-back points after that stand, taking the third set, 25-20. Georgia hit .417 with only one error in the final frame.
Senior Hannah Lawing led the Gamecocks in three categories, hitting .308 with 12 kills and 11 digs, as she played at outside hitter for the second-consecutive match. Freshman outside hitter Juliette Thévenin added 11 kills and two aces. Dylla and Gonzalez led the team with 10 kills, while neither had an error. Gonzalez hit .500 and had four block assists, while Dylla hit .769 to go with three block assists.
The Gamecocks return home for a special Friday-Saturday weekend on Nov. 12-13, hosting Alabama and Mississippi State at 7 p.m. on both nights. After Saturday night’s clash against the Bulldogs, a special reception honoring the three Gamecock seniors will be held in the Volleyball Competition Facility.
