STATESBORO– Georgia Southern volleyball (8-1) continued its scorching start to the season after toppling UNC Asheville (5-6) in straight sets on Tuesday, 25-12, 25-10, 25-15.

"We felt like we were the better team coming in and we said in the locker room that we needed to play like it," head coach Chad Willis said. "We challenged our team to play clean and limit unforced errors, and I think the box score paints that picture."

A 10-3 run to begin the match was a sign of things to come, as the Eagles sailed to a 25-12 win in set one. Seven of Reagan Barth's eight kills came in the first set.

The second set was similar, as the team went up 14-3 after service aces from Callaway Cason and Ainsley Clifford. It was Chamblee Russell's turn on the attack, racking up four kills in a 25-10 set win.

UNC Asheville put up more of a fight in the third set, but it would not be enough, as four service aces in the final set led to a 25-15 victory and a 3-0 sweep.

Russell and Barth each had eight kills, while the latter's .667 hitting percentage led the way, followed closely by Russell at .571. Megan Vickery and Robin Rosser chipped in four total blocks, while Ashlyn Lovett recorded 11 digs.

The Eagles' .452 hitting percentage was the best of the season, holding the Bulldogs to a .096 mark. The team also accrued nine service aces, tying the Stetson game for the most in any contest.

In the confines of Hanner Fieldhouse, volleyball moves to 6-0 and has now won 18 of a possible 19 sets. It is the first time ever that the team has won eight of nine games to begin a season.

Georgia Southern will travel to in-state foe Mercer for its next contest on Thursday.