Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel Volleyball team hosts a pair of weekend matches with Georgia Southern and Davidson, looking to avenge road losses suffered in the first half of the schedule. Georgia Southern visits McAlister Field House on Saturday evening, at 8:05 pm, followed by an afternoon matinee against Davidson on Sunday at 2 p.m.

"We have to rebound quickly from the loss to College of Charleston," said head coach Carolyn Geiger.  "We now have to turn our focus on Georgia Southern and Davidson this weekend.  Both opponents are playing well right now.  We need to play more consistently and soundly then we did against CofC.  We have to manage the highs and lows of the match better.  I expect a quicker tempo offense from both teams so we have to be quick on our blocking.  We should have a good fan base this weekend since it is our homecoming weekend and it coincides with our first alumni game too." 

Nearly one month ago, The Citadel fell to defeat 3-0 and 3-1 to Georgia Southern and Davidson respectively. Since that meeting the Bulldogs have been 4-4, improving to 7-21, 2-9, highlighted by Tatum Jestila's five games with double-digit kills. Jestila's 274 kills, combined with Jessica Maas 235 kills, account for 49 percent of the team kills (1,118). The Citadel (7-21, 2-9 SoCon) ended a two-game winning streak in conference action on Wednesday to the College of Charleston. Leading the team with 10 kills, Jestila reached double-digits 16th time this season. Blaine McAllister added six, as the Bulldogs combined for 27 total kills in three sets. Alyssa Holum handed out 25 assists.

Georgia Southern (18-9, 8-4), who meets the Cougars on Friday, swept Wofford one week ago (28-26, 25-22, 25-16), in Hanner Fieldhouse. The Eagles struck an impressive .356 from the floor on behalf of sophomore Bethany Sanford's match-high 14 kills. It was behind strong serving from freshman Ashleigh Wienbarg (Monroe, Ga.) that the Eagles closed out the final third set. Encompassing 10 ties and four lead changes, the teams found themselves in a standstill at 15-all before Claybaugh earned the side out for the Eagles, putting Wienbarg at the helm of the court. Behind the freshman's serving, the Eagles put together an 8-1 run, setting the stage for the Eagles at 23-16. Claybaugh fired her fourth kill of the set to give Georgia Southern match point as Graham closed out the conference victory for the Eagles, 25-16, with her 11th kill of the match.

The Wildcats (7-21, 4-8) extended Furman, before losing 3-2 (25-19, 20-25, 24-26, 25-16, 15-10). The Wildcats placed three hitters in double figures, led by 18 kills from Sarabeth Peele to go along with 14 digs. Jorden Benedict finished with 14 kills and a team-best five blocks, and Christine Perzinski chipped in 13 kills and 12 digs. Setter Anna Bradbury tallied 50 assists, and libero Molly Crenshaw contributed 26 digs. Jennifer Chamblee was also in double-digits with 12 digs.

Game statistics and a game recap will be available immediately following the match. For more information on Bulldog Volleyball or The Citadel Athletics, visit the website.