Atlanta, GA – The Eagles started the day off with a tough five set loss to Idaho State. They came out hot in the first set going up 16-9 and eventually winning 25-18 but couldn't pull off the match. The weekend finished out with a 4-1 loss to Georgetown University

Idaho State University
Sydney Gunter opened the match with a huge kill and the Eagles proceeded to go on a 6-1 run on route to a first set victory. A big block by freshman, Lily Leistiko, and a monster kill from outside Lou Rosario ended the set. ISU came out swinging in the second set and jumped to a quick 3-0 run which was ended by a hard kill from Gunter. The Eagles played from behind for the rest of the set and could not quite come out on top, losing 22-25. The third set started and ended the same as the second with ISU prevailing 25-19. The Eagles would not go away in the fourth set coming out for back to back to back blocks and ending the match with five total blocks and the win. In the end ISU came up with the fifth set, and match, win. Gunter led the team with 16 kills and Makayla Doyle came in second with 12 kills.

Georgetown University
The first set was a 31-29 grind in favor of the Eagles. They were led by Gunter and Rosario's six kills and two key blocks by Leistiko and Doyle. Georgetown went on a run to get up quick in the next three sets. The Eagles played tough but could not make up the difference as Georgetown took the next three sets and the match 1-4.

"Although the final result wasn't what we had hoped, we are proud of the fight in these young ladies," said head coach Chuck Rey. "You have to appreciate their tenacity and effort. Four matches in a weekend is not easy, mentally or physically, especially with new systems and limited scouting. Every match we played but one, we won the first set. I have to give a lot of credit for the hard work and late nights to our Offensive Coordinator, Sherisa Livingston, and Defensive Coordinator, Becca Acevedo for preparing the team so well. The team knew exactly what to expect and executed the plan well. We are now going through a learning process of how to better respond to opponent changes."

"The effort of each player on the team was very good. They are a really close group and a joy to be around. Siani set very well in every match of the weekend, leading the team with her infectious effort. It was great to see Lou back in the garnet and gold after a two year hiatus, and Sydney had a very good weekend as she is learning to manage the game better. Our defense was excellent and we out dug almost all our opponents and our blocking continually improved. As we learn to manage situations, we will be a very good team."

Weekend Highlights

• Setter, Siani Yamaguchi, had a weekend high 52 assists against Idaho State and had two double-doubles of assists and digs.
• Lou Rosario notched 16 kills and 10 digs for a double-double against Georgia Tech on Friday night.
• Emily Wunder had 12 kills and registered a .241 hitting percentage in her college debut against Abilene Christian on Friday afternoon.

Up Next
Next weekend the Eagles head to Knoxville, TN to compete in the Rocky Top Invitational, hosted by the University of Tennessee. The first match will be on Friday, August 31 at 7 p.m. against the host team and Saturday will see two matches at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. against Indiana State and North Florida.