By: Shane Thomas

It’s always exciting when results equal expectations. It’s even better when results exceed those expectations.

Though the volleyball season is only in its first week, it’s hard to not be impressed by a 5-0 start.

The VSU Lady Blazers are fresh off their home opener victory against the Albany State Golden Rams in what was a 3-0 match sweep.

A big congratulation goes out to first year head coach Mike Swan for earning his first win in the PE Complex.

“You always want to play well at home, or at least get a win, so people feel good about it when they leave,” Swan said. “We had a nice crowd, so it’s good to finish this off in 3 (games).”

VSU came into this match charged up after having a successful weekend in Carrolton, Ga. where they competed in the West Georgia Tournament.

After weeks of preparing in preseason practices, the Blazers unleashed their potential by winning four games in a span of two days. In the four matches, VSU only lost 2 games, and finished every team off in four games.

Following the success in the tournament, VSU was charged and ready to go to face a struggling Albany State squad, who arrived with a record of 0-4.

VSU quickly took advantage of the Golden Ram’s struggles by jumping out to a 12-2 lead within minutes of the start of the first game. Albany State fought to stay in the first game, making it a 21-18 contest, but would inevitably fall by a final score of 25-19.

Game 3 had the most drama where VSU found themselves at a 13-7 deficit, their largest deficit of the entire contest. Remaining composed, VSU roared back on a seven to one run to tie the score at 14-14, which would be extended to an eighteen to five run, which would leave VSU the victor with a score of 25-19.

Overall, VSU dominated in every offensive category. As a team they hit an impressive .407 percentage, with 39 assists compared to Albany State’s 22. Jenna Kirkwood lead in hitting with a .571 hitting percentage, while Jessica Codato lead in assists with 39 who was tied with Ashley Lala for most digs at 7 apiece.

The team will have an excellent chance to work on those kinks when they travel to Aiken, S.C. for The Aiken Invitational Thursday.