WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

> Georgia State snags two victories on the road against Appalachian State

> The Panthers hold a 4-9  overall record including a 3-8 Sun Belt note. 

> Next weekend, the Panthers will travel to Statesboro to square-off against Georgia Southern. 

BOONE, N.C.-- Georgia State defeated Appalachian State by a score of 3-1 in two matches at the Holmes Convocation Center. The victories mark the first GSU wins over Appalachian State since 2017. 

Jordan Shoemaker consistently fed the ball to Arizona native Clara Bednarek throughout the day. Bednarek accumulated a total of 33  kills over eight sets of play, en route to recording her third consecutive double-digit kill performance. Fellow freshman Erin Wyatt shined in the second match leading the team with 16 kills. 

On defense the back row stepped up to consistently slow the Appalachian State offense. Ava Vlkovic led the team with 19 digs in the first meeting followed by 22 in the nightcap. 

After dropping last night's meeting, Georgia State came out ready to take down Appalachian State in the morning meeting. The Panthers established themselves early as a threat with a five-point opening scoring run. The Mountaineers knotted the match at eight, and would stay in striking distance the rest of the way. Ultimately, GSU edged out the Mountaineers with a kill from Wyatt.

In the second set GSU could not find success on offense, as Appalachian State cruised to victory. GSU regained footing in the third and never looked back the remainder of the game. Shoemaker not only found success with a variety of hitters across the front and back rows in the final two frames, but the senior setter became a scoring threat herself. Shoemaker accumulated eight kills, including the game-winning point. 

During the series finale GSU stormed to a two set lead with kills coming from both sides of the court from Bednarek and Wyatt. The newcomers left the Appalachian State defense scrambling limiting their aggression. 

With the game on the line, App State commanded much of the third frame, recording their best hitting percentage of the night. The Panthers could not find a response, as a result the Mountaineers took the match to four to extend the match. 

As GSU looked to close the game, App State continued to fight. The Mountaineers jumped to a quick lead and looked like they would run away with the set. This time GSU found an answer and responded with a four-point scoring run to put the Panthers back in striking distance. Down the stretch GSU and App State exchanged points as both teams battled for the frame. Ultimately, GSU took the game (25-16, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22) with increased aggression from the offense. 

Next week, the Panthers will travel to Statesboro to face in-state rival Georgia Southern in a pair of matches. Action begins Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:00 p.m.