WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

> Georgia State collected two sweeps over South Alabama in downtown Atlanta. 

> Four seniors (Dzemila Hadzic, Jordan Shoemaker, Cierra Sillmon, and Leah Wilcox) were recognized for their on and off the court accomplishments prior to the nightcap. 

> Tomorrow, the Panthers will host South Alabama in the series and regular season finale. First serve is slated for 1:00 p.m. Friday

ATLANTA.-- Georgia State recorded two sweeps over South Alabama Thursday at the GSU Sports Arena. The two victories propel the Panthers to a 7-10 overall record, including a 6-9 performance in Sun Belt play.  

In their final home series, the seniors made a massive impact throughout the doubleheader. On defense, Cierra Sillmon led the team in blocking during both contests with 4 in each match. The two Florida natives, Jordan Shoemaker and Leah Wilcox, charged the offensive production. Shoemaker dished out a total of 61 assists on the day, eclipsing the 900 assists mark while in a GSU uniform. 13 of those assists went to long-time teammate, Wilcox. 

In the morning meeting Georgia State cruised to a 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-14, 25-21). From the beginning, Shoemaker was able to rely on offensive production from a variety of players across the net. Not only did the Panthers find speed in their kills, but the hitters consistently took advantage of holes in the Jaguars' defense. Erin Wyatt earned her third double-digit kill performance in four contests with 10, while Meisheia Griffin and Clara Bednarek both added nine.

As Georgia State's offense found gaps in the Jaguars' coverage, the Panthers' defense found a way to cover every corner of Georgia State territory. Freshman Ava Vlkovic led the back row with 13 digs. At the net, the Panthers accumulated 15 blocks. Sillmon led the team with four, while Griffin's three blocks propelled her to 379 career blocks, best for sixth in program history.  

During the nightcap, the Panthers would have to show more grit and composure as the Jaguars tried to rebound from the morning session. Despite South Alabama's relentless effort the Panthers did not slow down, defeating the Jaguars in three (25-18, 25-21, 25-2 ).  

Georgia State's defense continued to deliver high passes to Shoemaker, which allowed her to create opportunities for the offense. The senior setter consistently fed Wyatt, who notched 17 kills, a personal best for the rookie. Overall, the offense did not make unforced errors and controlled the pace of the match. 

South Alabama's offense attempted to create their own rhythm, but the Panthers' impressive efforts from the back row, blocking and offense would keep the Jaguars at bay. 

"We came out ready to play today," said head coach Sally Polhamus. "It is exciting to see the offensive distribution and our ability to control the ball from a blocking, defense, and offensive standpoint." 

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