Bulldogs Drop Three-Set Decision to No. 7 Georgia Tech

Saturday, September 17

Athens, Ga.

7:00 p.m.

University of Georgia

9-2,0-0SEC

Georgia Tech

7-2,0-0ACC

Georgia Tech

Georgia

Photo by: Zach Kelly, UGAAA Athletics

Bulldogs Drop Three-Set Decision to No. 7 Georgia Tech

September 17, 2022 | Volleyball

Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia women's volleyball team fell to the seventh-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Saturday evening in three sets in front a of crowd of 2,673 UGA faithful at Stegeman Coliseum (19-25, 17-25, 21-25).

Georgia concludes its non-conference schedule with a 9-2 record, the best since the 2018 season when the Bulldogs finished with the same record to begin the season. Southeastern Conference play begins Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Mississippi State.

Senior Kacie Evans topped the double-digit kill mark in the match, registering 11 kills. Sophomore Abby Maesch put down eight kills in just two sets, hitting .538 on 13 swings.

Defensively, Alexa Fortin co-led the team with Evans, tallying eight digs each. On the net, junior Sophie Fischer put up six blocks. As a team, Georgia out blocked the Yellow Jackets 8.5-5.5.

The Bulldogs used a 6-2 run early in set one to go ahead 11-8 on Georgia Tech (7-2). Tech stormed back with three-straight to find a 13-12 lead and stayed out in front by a couple as Georgia called time down 18-16. The Yellow Jackets bolstered the lead with four straight to go ahead 22-17 and went on to take the opening stanza 25-19.

Four-straight points from the Yellow Jackets early in the second set fueled a strong frame for the visitors from Atlanta, taking the set 25-17. Maesch entered the rotation in set two, providing a spark for the offense, laying down five kills off the bench.

Georgia regrouped to open the third set strong, going point-for-point with Tech. The stanza started with seven ties including both teams being knotted at 11. Three points from the Yellow Jackets opened a small lead but one big enough to keep the Bulldogs at arm's length. Maesch made it a one-point game at 18-17, but three more from GT put the Yellow Jackets in out in front 21-17. Georgia was able to cut it to two at 22-20 but Tech held on and complete the set 25-21 and the match in three. The Bulldogs' blocking shined in the set with 5.5 team blocks.

The Bulldogs open Southeastern Conference play on the road at Mississippi State Wednesday, Sept. 21. First serve from Starkville is set for 8 p.m., ET, live on SEC Network.

Head Coach Tom Black
On the crowd at Stegeman Coliseum…
"We were really excited about the fans here. We really appreciate the showing, it means a lot to us. We hope they keep coming out. It is a big part of where we want to go as a program."

On what the team will work on moving forward...
"There is lots to work on but our out-of-system setting and hitting. I think that was the big difference in the match. We will get to work on that."

On his thoughts about being 9-2 going into conference play this week...
"I think it has been a really strong non-conference. We wanted to finish it on a higher note, but we will be better next match. I am really excited for this team and to see what we can do going into conference."

Sophomore Abby Maesch
On how the fans at the match helped with the atmosphere...
"We are super thankful that the fans could make it to our game. We love how many of them came. It is not every day that we have a packed house, and it affects the game. It affects the intensity, and it affects how we play. We are super glad that the fans could show up because they created a big spark in us and pushed us through this game."

The University of Georgia held fast at No. 16 in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 ranking of the best public universities in the nation, marking the seventh consecutive year that UGA has placed in the top 20. Georgia is one of only two SEC institutions to rank among the top 20.

"This outstanding news is another clear sign that the University of Georgia is solidifying its position among the very best public research universities in America," said President Jere W. Morehead. "The consistency of our national ranking is a testament to the commitment of our talented faculty, staff and students; the generosity and support of our loyal alumni and friends; and the effectiveness of our vision and strategy to reach new heights of academic excellence."