On Sunday afternoon at Stegeman Coliseum, Georgia’s volleyball team faced a rocky start against Auburn, dropping the first set 25-19. But they quickly pivoted in the second set, unleashing a powerful serving game that propelled them to a four-set victory.
The Bulldogs dominated in the second set, racking up eight aces. “Aces are gold,” said Georgia head coach Tom Black. “You can’t expect many, but when you get them, they change everything.” This shift in strategy helped Georgia regain control of the match.
Estelle Haugen served two quick aces, and Bianna Muoneke contributed significantly with three aces during an eight-point stretch. Tori Harper also shone, winning five straight points with her serve, including two aces to seal the set 25-13.
“Serving can feel like a solo performance, but you’re never alone,” Harper noted. “I look for weak points in the defense to find the best serve.” Her insight highlights the mix of strategy and skill involved in successful serving.
In the match, Georgia notched a season-high of 11 aces, with Harper and Muoneke each contributing three. Despite their earlier struggles, the Bulldogs have shown potential, tallying 115 aces this season compared to 191 last year. Black is hopeful that recent improvements will make the serve a key weapon for the team.
Interestingly, many of their effective serves against Auburn had no spin, creating an unpredictable wobble that often left opponents flat-footed. Black explained that such serves can be hard to predict. “They’re not controlled, but they usually lead to something positive,” he said.
Different types of serves, from flat no-spin to powerful jump serves, require a lot of practice to master. “We work on it constantly,” Haugen mentioned, emphasizing their commitment to improvement. Assistant coach Aaron Benning dedicates time to helping players refine their serves before and after practices.
A strong service game is vital not just for scoring but for shifting momentum. “An ace can be demoralizing for the other team,” Haugen added, underscoring its psychological impact.
Reflecting on her journey, Haugen recalled how she struggled with serving when she first joined Georgia. “I was just standing there, not even jumping,” she admitted. But through hard work, she turned a weakness into a strength. “I really focused on it, and it’s helped my game immensely.”
Black compared serving to free throws in basketball, a skill entirely in the hands of the player. “There’s no excuse for not being good; it’s just you and the ball.” When executed well, serving can lead to easy points and victory.
This recent performance against Auburn not only showcases Georgia’s talent but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy in volleyball. With solid practice and focus, the Bulldogs are poised for a strong finish to the season.
