University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
3-0,0-0Sun Belt
Jacksonville State
1-2,0-0CUSA
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Miss. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Jacksonville St. | 22 | 19 | 14 | 0 |
Golden Eagles Defeat Jax State in Straight Sets to Sweep Gamecock Classic
8/29/2026 8:20:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Southern Miss volleyball (3-0) completed a perfect weekend at the Gamecock Classic on Saturday, sweeping Jacksonville State (1-2), 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-14), to claim the tournament championship.
The Golden Eagles were led offensively by Sadie McAda, who recorded 11 kills while hitting .435, and Elly Stewart, who added eight kills on 11 attacks without committing an error to hit .727. Aubrey Judd and Diana Wells chipped in six kills apiece, while Lillie Johnson added five. Allie Hazelwood finished with 28 assists and added three kills, with Sunni Sheppard anchoring the defensive effort with 16 digs. McAda and Hazelwood were both named to the Gamecock Classic All-Tournament Team following the Golden Eagles' three-match run.
Southern Miss opened the match by battling through a competitive first set before pulling away late for a 25-22 victory. The Golden Eagles held a 13-11 advantage before Jacksonville State rallied to tie the set at 22-22. Southern Miss answered with three consecutive points to close out the frame, including kills from Judd and Johnson before the Gamecocks committed an attack error on the final point.
The Golden Eagles found their offensive rhythm in the second set, hitting .438 with 17 kills and just three errors. Southern Miss used a 5-0 run to turn a 15-15 tie into a 20-15 lead and never looked back. McAda recorded four kills in the frame, while Stewart added three kills on four swings as the Golden Eagles finished off the set, 25-19.
Southern Miss put the match away with a dominant third set, hitting .409 compared to the .115 mark that they held Jacksonville State to. The Golden Eagles jumped out to an 8-2 advantage behind a pair of aces from Sheppard and two kills from Stewart. Southern Miss continued to build its lead throughout the frame, eventually reaching a 21-12 advantage before closing the match on a 4-2 run. McAda provided the final point with a booming kill to secure the 25-14 set victory and the tournament sweep.
The Golden Eagles will hit the road again next weekend as they travel to Oxford, Miss. to take on Central Arkansas, and Ole Miss on Saturday Sep. 5 at the Rebel Volleyball Classic.
To keep up with the Golden Eagles, follow our Instagram (@southernmissvball), X (@southernmissvb), and Facebook (Southern Miss Volleyball).
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