ATLANTA, Ga. — The Georgia State volleyball team (15-9, SBC 6-7) powered past the Georgia Southern Eagles (18-6, SBC 9-4) on Friday night, securing a 3-1 victory at the GSU Sports Arena. The Panthers' attack racked up 72 kills in the win, marking one of the team's top offensive performances this season.

Nazli Guvener fueled the momentum with a double-double, recording 11 kills and 10 digs. Alessia Cappai led all attackers with 19 kills, while Emily Harden added five to the offensive push. On defense, Marta Lazzarin anchored the back row with 27 digs, and Rayne Williams made her presence felt at the net with four crucial blocks.

How It Happened

Set 1 | Georgia State grabbed control early, taking a 5-4 lead and never looking back en route to a 25-19 opening-set victory. The Panthers tallied 17 kills in the frame and closed strong with their largest lead of six points. Georgia State also added pressure from the service line, recording four aces to set the tone.

Set 2 | The Panthers dropped a tightly contested second set, 25-23, as Georgia Southern evened the match at one apiece. The frame featured two lead changes and 10 ties, with neither team leading by more than four points throughout.

Set 3 | Georgia State regrouped quickly, battling through another back-and-forth frame to take a thrilling 30-28 win and a 2-1 match advantage. The Panthers' offense came alive with 23 kills in the set, overcoming six lead changes and 14 ties to reclaim momentum.

Set 4 | The Panthers carried that energy into the fourth, sealing the match with a 26-24 victory. Georgia State hit an impressive .341 with 19 kills in the final frame, showcasing balance and composure down the stretch. After four lead changes, the Panthers secured control at 25-24 and finished the job in front of the home crowd.

Game Notes

• Three Panthers powered into double figures in kills.
• Georgia State also saw three players reach double digits in digs.
• Emily Harden dominated from the service line with a match-high five aces.
• Nazli Guvener delivered a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs.
• The Panthers' offense tallied 72 kills in the four-set win.
• Alessia Cappai led the charge with a team-high 19 kills.
• Marta Lazzarin anchored the back row with a match-best 27 digs.
• Shanelle Martinez orchestrated the attack with a team-leading 32 assists.
• The victory marks Georgia State's first win over the Eagles in five years.

Up Next
Georgia State returns to the GSU Sports Arena for its final home match of the season, looking to close out the series against Georgia Southern on Friday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.