HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Georgia State volleyball team (10-4, SBC 1-2) fell to the James Madison Dukes (9-6, SBC 2-1) in a 3-1 decision Friday night at the JMU Convocation Center.

The Panthers' offense was powered by Alessia Cappai, who recorded a season-high 15 kills while hitting .379. Courtney Smith added 12 kills and Maria Cecilia de Pinho chipped in 11 as part of a balanced attack that saw four Panthers reach double figures. Defensively, Marta Lazzarin led the back row with a team-best 16 digs.

How It Happened

Set 1 | Georgia State dropped the opening frame 30-28 despite an efficient attack. The Panthers hit .412 with 18 kills but couldn't pull away late.

Set 2 | The Panthers bounced back to even the match with a 28-26 win. Behind a .302 hitting clip and another 18 kills, Georgia State built a 17-12 lead and held off a JMU rally to close out the set.

Set 3 | JMU regained control with a 25-20 victory in the third. The Dukes pulled ahead early and never looked back, as Georgia State trailed by as many as seven points.

Set 4 | The Panthers battled in the fourth but came up short, 25-23. After JMU went ahead for good at 7-6, Georgia State fought to stay close in a set that saw three ties but couldn't complete the comeback.

Game Notes

• Four Panthers finished with double-digit kills.
• Alessia Cappai led the attack with a season-high 15 kills.
• Shanelle Martinez paced the offense with a team-best 29 assists and added Georgia State's lone service ace.
• Marta Lazzarin anchored the defense with a match-high 16 digs.

Up Next
The Panthers return to action on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. to close out their two-match series with JMU.