Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Match 1 vs. Arkansas State: Friday, Sept. 26 @ 6 p.m. ET.
Match 2 vs. Arkansas State: Saturday, Sept. 27 @ 2 p.m. ET.
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ATLANTA - Georgia State volleyball (9-2, SBC 0-0) kicks off the Sun Belt slate at home this weekend, hosting Arkansas State (7-4, SBC 0-0) for a two-match series. The Panthers and Red Wolves face off on Friday, Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. before closing the weekend on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:00 p.m.
SERIES HISTORY
Georgia State and Arkansas State have a long history dating back to September 27, 2013. The Panthers have faced the Red Wolves 15 times, dropping a 3-12 overall record. Their most recent matchup came on September 28, 2024, when Georgia State fell 1-3 on the road. Georgia State's last victory against Arkansas State was a 3-1 win on November 18, 2021.This weekend, the Panthers look to snap their three-match losing streak against the Red Wolves
ACROSS THE NET
Arkansas State enters the weekend riding a four-match win streak and holding a 7-4 record on the season. The Red Wolves made an early statement with a five-set victory over No. 16 Missouri and added another marquee win against Arkansas, 3-1, at the Razorback Invitational. Their strong start also includes three sweeps, highlighted by a straight set win over Brown.
That momentum has carried into conference recognition. Last week, the Red Wolves swept the Sun Belt's weekly honors as middle blockers Daedrianna Cail and Haley Glunz were named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week. Cail, joined by teammate Kaitlin Whitlock, also secured a spot on the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team in August, marking the first preseason nods for both players.
Guiding the program is Head Coach Brian Gerwig, the 2024 Sun Belt Coach of the Year, who enters his fourth season at the helm in Jonesboro. With Gerwig leading the charge, Arkansas State was picked to finish second in the West Division this season, earning 81 points and three first-place votes in the preseason poll.
SHE'S JUST A FRESHMAN
The week of September 14, libero Marta Lazzarin was recognized among the Sun Belt's top three players appearing in the NCAA statistical rankings. Lazzarin has been a steady force on the back row, ranking third in the NCAA and first in the Sun Belt with 5.68 digs per set. She also sits second in the conference and 30th nationally in total digs with 159. Lazzarin's strong play also earned her national attention, as she was highlighted by Avid Volley as one of NCAA DI Week Three's "Top of the Week" players. After week four, Lazzarin continues her climb up the NCAA ranks, ranking second in digs per set with 5.74 and 15th in total digs with 224.
TOP 25
Through the non-conference schedule, Georgia State has earned recognition among the nation's best with standout performances both individually and as a team. The Panthers sit fourth in the NCAA in opponent hitting percentage, holding opponents to just .128. Georgia State also ranks 13th in the country in digs per set (16.69). Individually, libero Marta Lazzarin has been a standout, ranking second nationally and first in the Sun Belt in digs per set (5.74) while placing 15th in the NCAA and second in the league in total digs (224).
SO INTERNATIONAL
Georgia State's volleyball roster boasts with international flair. Nearly half of the 2025 squad hails from overseas, with eight of the 17 players bringing valuable international experience to the court.
THE SIQUEIRA ERA
Entering her second season at the helm, Head Coach Flavia Siqueira has quickly elevated the Georgia State volleyball program to new heights. During Siqueira's first campaign in 2024, the Panthers capped the season with 17 wins, the most in over a decade, and advanced to the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament for the first time since 2021. With Flavia at the forefront, the Panthers enter 2025 on the rise.
SEEING DOUBLE
Georgia State's 2025 season has seen standout two-way performances, with four Panthers recording multiple double-doubles to anchor the team's early success. Nazli Guvener leads the way with three double-doubles, highlighted by a season-high 18 kills and 12 digs against Furman (8/30). Myllena Torquetti has tallied two double-doubles, including 10 kills and 10 digs in the same matchup. Setter Shanelle Martinez has recorded two double-doubles, dishing out a season-best 28 assists while adding 14 digs, including her performance against Queens (9/5). Alessia Cappai has also made her mark, notching 11 kills and 10 digs against Sam Houston (9/19).
SUN BELT DOMINANCE
Georgia State continues to make a statement in the Sun Belt as the Panthers lead the conference with the top match win percentage (.818), while limiting opponent hitting percentage (.128). The team is also ranked second in assists per set (12.52) and third in kills per set (13.45), digs per set (16.69) and total digs (701). Individually, Marta Lazzarin has climbed to first in the Sun Belt with 224 digs and 5.74 digs per set. Shanelle Martinez ranks third in service aces (20) and fourth in aces per set (.48).
SMASHING START
Georgia State is off to its best start to a season since 2003, winning seven of its first eight matches. The Panthers have gone undefeated in two of their first three tournaments, dropping just one match along the way.
