Bulldogs Travel to Texas A&M for Two Matches

Georgia (4-10, 0-3)
at Texas A&M (10-4, 3-1)
Dates: Thursday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 8, 2021
First Serve: 8 p.m., ET (both matches)
Location: Bryan-College Station, Texas
Arena: Reed Arena

Media Information
Streaming: SEC Network+ (Thursday)
   Play-by-play: Casey Richardson
   Analysis: Chelsea Reber
TV: SEC Network (Friday)
   Play-by-play: Paul Sunderland
   Analysis: Missy Whitemore
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
Twitter: @UGAvolleyball

First Serve
The Georgia volleyball team is set to travel to Bryan-College Station, Texas for two matches against the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday and Friday. First serve for both matches is set for 8 p.m., ET at Reed Arena.

Follow the Bulldogs
» Thursday's match will be streamed live via SEC Network+. Casey Richardson (play-by-play) and Chelsea Reber (analysis) will be on the call.
» Friday's match will be air live on SEC Network. Paul Sunderland (play-by-play) and Missy Whittemore (analysis) will be on the call. The match will stream live via Watch ESPN and the ESPN app.
» Live stat links can be found on the volleyball schedule on GeorgiaDogs.com.
» Twitter updates will be available all season long on the official Twitter page of the Bulldogs, @UGAvolleyball.

Upcoming Promotions and Fan Information at Stegeman
Upcoming Promotions - vs. Tennessee
» Pink Match
     - First 250 fans who donate $5 will receive a pink t-shirt
     - Survivors will be recognized
Fan Information
» Admission is FREE to all regular-season home volleyball matches.
» The SEC Clear Bag Policy will be in effect.
» New core concessions prices include:
     - $2.50 – Jumbo hot dogs, 20 oz. bottle and fountain sodas
     - $2.00 – 20 oz bottle Dasani, candy, popcorn tub
» All concessions and merchandise transactions are cashless/contactless.
     - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.

Auburn Series in Athens Adjusted
Due to the unforeseen campus-wide internet maintenance at the University of Georgia, the Auburn at Georgia volleyball matches initially scheduled for October 22 and 23 have been moved to Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22 at Georgia. First serve of both matches has will be at 7 p.m., ET, at Stegeman Coliseum.

BULLDOGS BULLETIN
Series History
- Georgia trails the all-time series 4-19
- Since Texas A&M joined the league in 2012, the Bulldogs have only captured on win against the Aggies, coming last season in a five-set battle at Stegeman Coliseum
- Georgia is 1-8 in Bryan-College Station, the lone road win coming in 1994

A Look at What's Ahead
Georgia returns to Stegeman Coliseum to host Tennessee Oct. 15, opening a four-match homestand in Athens. the following week, Georgia will host Auburn at Stegeman for two matches Thursday and Friday, Oct. 21-22. The homestand will conclude against Mississippi State on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Let's Recap
Georgia traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas over the weekend for a showdown with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas came out of the gate hot, going up 13-1 on the Bulldogs. Georgia battled from down 12 to cut the early deficit to just two, but the lead was just too much to overcome to open the match. The Bulldogs had control of the second set before a late surge pushed Arkansas into the lead to capture a 2-0 lead in the match. The third set saw 14 ties and the lead change three times. The teams found themselves tied at 20 but Arkansas was able to hold on for the straight-set win over Georgia.

Coming Out Strong
This season, Georgia has come out of the gate strong, winning the opening set in 10 of its 14 matches played. The Bulldogs have taken opening sets by an average of five points.

Blocking Improves in 2020-21
Georgia concluded the 2020-21 season ranked fourth in the SEC in blocking as a team, completing the campaign with 2.25 blocks per set. It was the highest finish in the category under Tom Black. SEC All-Freshman Team member Phoebe Awoleye finished top-five in the league with 1.05 blocks per set as a rookie.

This season, Awoleye is fifth in the SEC with 62 total blocks and is just outside the top 10 with 1.11 blocks per set.

Rookies Shine on Opening Weekend
Georgia saw four freshmen play in every set on opening weekend, three starting all 11 sets. Setter Clara Brower handed out 10.09 assists per set and ran an offense that hit .299 as a team. She also contributed 17 digs and seven blocks. Outside hitter turned middle blocker Lyric Stewart tallied 2.36 kills per set, hit .467 on the weekend, and led the team with 12 blocks. Outside hitter Abby Maesch led the team with 30 kills and 2.73 kills per set. Defensive specialist Bailey cox put up 18 digs (1.64 d/s) and laid down four service aces.

Bulldogs Set for Strong 2021 Slate of Matches
Eight opponents on Georgia's schedule appeared in the 2020 NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, three of which played in the Elite Eight round. Six of Georgia's opponents concluded the season in the AVCA Top 25 including top-10 finishers Kentucky, Florida, and Nebraska.

Breaking Down the Roster
The Bulldogs' roster features 17 student-athletes with a mix of experienced and new talent. Overall, each position on the court comes with a significant amount of depth. The roster breaks down to five seniors, three juniors and sophomores each, and a total of six freshman, five of which are true freshmen. Position wise, the Bulldogs have a near perfect mix at each position. Georgia returns five starters plus its starting libero from last season.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Phoebe Awoleye

Clara Brower

Abby Maesch

Lyric Stewart