The Sports Inquirer

By E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

The Georgia State volleyball team returns to action this weekend as it hosts UT Arlington on Friday and then travel to Georgia Southern on Saturday.

UT Arlington is second in the Sun Belt Conference and owns a 20-5 (10-3) record. GSU is in seventh place at 7-14 (5-7) and Georgia Southern is 6-17 (5-8) for ninth.

The Panthers are on a three-match winning after defeating the University of Louisiana and Troy last weekend.

“We passed well which allowed us to run our offense,” Georgia State coach Sally Polhamus said. “We did a nice job serving and had a team-high in blocks against Louisiana with over two per set which is increasing over the season. We’re excited about the direction our team is moving offensively and defensively.”

Natalia Nieto won Sun Belt Setter of the Week on Monday after her 89 assists in two matches last week. Nieto moved up another spot on Georgia State’s career-assists list and is now in sixth with 2,276.

“Natalia had done a great job this year growing as a setter, finding hitters and inspiring them,” Polhamus said.

“My teammates gave me that award,” Nieto said. “Its not something I can get by myself. I run the game but they put the ball away. The system is starting to get together and we’re used to playing with each other.”

The Panthers’ defense has also improved during the winning streak. They held Troy to a .146 hitting percentage in the 3-0 win.

Gabby Serafin led the defensive effort, finished last weekend with 40 digs and a 5.71 dig per set average in the two contests.

“We put pressure on Troy because our offense was incredible,” Polhamus said. “We had great passing with Gabby and Molly (Shonk) did a great job. It allowed us to run our offense and we blocked well.”

The home stretch of the conference season has also provided motivation.

“We’ve been working harder and looking forward to making the conference tournament which has made us hungry,” Molly Shonk said. “Its forcing us to perform under pressure.”

The Panthers face a tough challenge in Arlington. “They run a 6-2 formation which means they have three hitters in the front row all the time with two setters which is different,” Polhamus said. “That taxes our block and defense and their bound to have more one-on-one situations with one hitter against one blocker. They bring a different dynamic from other teams in the conference.”