STATESBORO – Georgia Southern middles Lauren Reichard and Lauren Hager combined for 29 kills and 18 blocks in the nightcap to lead the Eagles to two wins Friday in the GATA Challenge in Hanner Fieldhouse.

GS topped USC Upstate 3-1 in the evening match and defeated Savannah State 3-0 in the morning. 

Reichard collected 16 kills, nine blocks and six digs against Upstate, while Hager added 13 kills and nine blocks. The Eagles notched 19.5 blocks as a team, 1.5 off the school record for a four-set match.

Key moments vs. USC Upstate
Down 1-0 in the match and 7-4 in the second set, GS scored eight points in a row and opened a 12-7 cushion on a Hager kill. 

The Eagles broke a 12-12 tie in the fourth with a 7-3 run that opened a 19-15 advantage as Reichard notched a kill and assisted on a block during the stretch.

Eagle of the Match vs. USC Upstate
Hager hit .600 while posting her career highs in kills and blocks.

Key stats vs. Savannah State
The Eagles hit .276 in the match while holding the Tigers to .040, including a combined -.020 in the first two sets. GS also served up eight aces and out blocked the Tigers 13-4.

Eagle of the Match vs. Savannah State
Reichard had 11 kills on 15 swings to hit .667 and tallied nine blocks.

Interview with coach Dustin Wood


Next Up
Georgia Southern concludes the GATA Challenge by facing Savannah State Saturday at noon in Hanner Fieldhouse.