By Devin McCullough
The UNCP Braves Volleyball team (3-8) lost their home opener Tuesday against Augusta University.
The Braves entered the game on a strong start in the first set but it was tight most of the way. In the middle of the first set, the score was even at 12. It was all back and forth with the Braves regaining the lead over and over, and then the Jaguars would tie the game back up. The Braves showed a sense of urgency down 20-17 and went on to outscore the Jaguars 8-3 to win the first set 25-23.
The second set started very similarly with the score being tight from beginning to end. The Braves had an edging 13-11 lead with the crowd picking up their effort in momentum to give them a boost. The Braves then went on a run to put the score at 17-12. The Jaguars seemingly answered the bell because a quick turn of events shifted the momentum and score and it was quickly a tight one for the second set with a score of 21-19 with the Braves still ahead. The Braves go on a 4-1 run to close the Jaguars out and win the set.
The third set was a replica of the first two sets. Back and forth early and before you look up, the score is 18-14 the Jaguars way. The Jaguars capitalized on the Braves misfortunes and continued their run to finish off their first set victory with the score 25-22.
The fourth set was another even set for both sides. One team makes a great play, the opposing team follows. In the midst of it all, The Braves put on a great team effort scoring 5 in a row to make the score 15-9. The Jaguars had an answer, outscoring the Braves from that point on 16-5, to win the set 25-20 heading into set 5.
Both teams went to battle in the last set. The Jaguars had an edging lead 10-8. Every play mattered from there and both teams treated it that way. Both teams scored 2 points to put the score to 12-10, still the Jaguars with the lead. The Braves scored 3 points straight to give themselves the lead 13-12. The Jaguars poured on 3 straight to take the victory. The final set score was 3-2 with the Braves in defeat.
The Braves will be back in action on October 1 against Barton College