Written By: Neil Frawley

With yet another win on Tuesday night at the University of West Georgia, the VSU volleyball team (19-7, 14-4) secured its third straight win and has ascended to third place in the Gulf South Conference.

Two home matches remain on VSU’s schedule, Mississippi College (5-23) have lost its last seven matches, and University of West Alabama (9-19) losing its last four.

If VSU finishes the season undefeated at home, it will be the best finish since the 1998-99 season when they won 79 percent of its games.

This team has a leg up on the 1998-99 team: the conference record.  That team won 67 percent of the games while the current Blazers are winning 80 percent.

VSU is ranked No. 6 in the region for the first time in more than 10 years.

VSU has found its success through its defensive prowess, which head coach Mike Swan was hoping would be much improved from a season ago when he took over the program.

This year the team has a +6 block differential and a +46 dig differential. VSU is averaging 2.2 blocks and about 15 digs per set.

VSU is converting its defense into offense well, by hitting 20 percent, which is fueling the Blazers 12 kills per set rate.

Individuals leading the way for the team include setter Jessica Codato who leads the team with 958 assists.  Senior Jenna Kirkwood leads the team with 329 kills.

Defensively Destiny Berry leads the team with 23 blocks, and Ashley Lala leads all members with 443 digs.

The final weekend starts with MC on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by UWA on Saturday at 2 p.m.

If VSU finishes the season second best in the GSC they will host two tournament matches. No.1 Shorter will be the sight of the GSC championship.