LAKELAND, Fla. — Augusta University (2-0, 0-0 Peach Belt) defeated Hillsdale College (1-1, 0-0 G-MAC) in four sets, winning 25-22, 29-27, 17-25, 25-21, at Jenkins Field House on Friday afternoon.

Augusta opened the match with a commanding performance, clinching the first set 25-22 against the Chargers. Mia Saavedra led the charge with six kills, while Layne Witherspoon added three kills and a service ace to secure the set. Despite a late surge from Hillsdale, Augusta capitalized on six attack errors by the Chargers and maintained their edge with consistent setting from Sydney Harrington, who contributed nine assists.

Augusta edged Hillsdale in a tightly contested second set, securing a 29-27 victory. Saavedra and Angela Mateos led Augusta's offense with crucial kills, while Witherspoon contributed significantly with both a kill and a block in the final stages. Augusta capitalized on the Chargers' errors, including six attack errors and three service errors, to maintain their edge in a back-and-forth set that saw multiple lead changes.

In the third set, the Chargers secured a 25-17 victory over Augusta, capitalizing on several key plays and errors from their opponent. Augusta struggled with consistency, committing four attack errors and three service errors, despite efforts from Mateos and Witherspoon, who each contributed two kills. Josie TeSlaa facilitated the offense with multiple assists leading to kills from Hannah Baker and Jenna Southland, while Adi Sysum and Caroline Lanicek added critical points to seal the set for the home team.

Augusta secured a decisive 25-21 win over Hillsdale in the fourth set, highlighted by strong performances from Mateos and Witherspoon, who contributed multiple key kills. Despite the Chargers' efforts, including service aces and kills from Southland and Lanicek, Augusta capitalized on the Chargers' six service errors and attack errors to maintain control. Harrington's playmaking was crucial, providing numerous assists that helped Augusta outpace Hillsdale and close the set efficiently.

Witherspoon led the team with a hitting percentage of .481, contributing 14 kills and three blocks, totaling 17 points. Harrington orchestrated the offense with 39 assists, facilitating the team's attack. Giulia Rodrigues was pivotal in defense, recording 25 digs, the highest on the team. Saavedra added 13 kills and 13 digs, contributing significantly to both offensive and defensive efforts.

Southland led the Chargers with 18.0 points, tallying 16 kills and a .282 hitting percentage over four sets. Chloe Pierce was a standout in defense, accumulating 21 digs. Madison Peal contributed significantly with 33 digs, showcasing her defensive performance. TeSlaa aided the team's efforts with 26 assists, maintaining a .5 hitting percentage.