STATESBORO, Ga. – In its final tune-up before starting Big South Conference play next weekend, USC Upstate volleyball continued its streak of matches with at least one player recording a career-high or career-first, extending that stretch to six on the final day at the GATA Challenge.
Closing the GATA Challenge and non-conference play, Upstate dropped its match against host Georgia Southern in straight sets, showing improvement across all three sets against scores of 25-12, 25-15, and 25-15.
The Spartans finished Saturday's match with two players with double-figure digs as senior libero
Mackenzie Marcum and sophomore setter
Emma McElveen tying for the team lead with 11 digs apiece as Marcum's total represents her fourth double-digit dig match with McElveen's total marking a career-high.
The match marked the fifth of the season with two or more players with 10 or more digs, giving Upstate at least one such game in each weekend of the non-conference slate.
Leading the Spartans on the offensive end, senior outside hitters
Breeana Gamueda and
Kelly Wiedemann tied for the team lead in kills, slamming home six apiece as Saturday's match was the 11
th of 12 this season that either Gamueda or Weidemann has paced the team in kills.
Recording 24 total team kills in the match, Upstate recorded an assist on all 24 kills, marking the second time this season—also accomplished against Florida International (34 K/34 A)—with an assist on each of the team's kills. Senior setter
Allie Hamsher led the way with 11 assists with McElveen adding six for the Spartans.
Elsewhere on the stat sheet, senior middle blocker
Alexis Mareko and junior right-side hitter
Briana Strobert led Upstate with two total blocks each while Gamueda landed the Spartans' lone service ace.
UP Next for the Spartans
With the conclusion of non-conference play, USC Upstate opens the 2021 Big South Conference schedule at the G.B. Hodge Center, returning home for the first time this season to host High Point and North Carolina A&T next Friday and Saturday.
JOIN UP
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes!
Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today!
Keep UP with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateVB @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateVB @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans