Volleyball | November 07, 2023

Each week, USC Aiken will post notes. This week, the Pacers host Georgia College & State on Thursday, Nov. 9. 

Regular-Season Finale

This week, USC Aiken hosts Georgia College & State in the regular-season finale on Thursday. Should the Pacers win, it will mark the last home contest of the season – and the last home match in the careers of the seven seniors honored last Saturday as well as graduate student Kari Mercer.

It All Comes Down To This

Seeding for the PBC Tournament all comes down to the final week of competition. If USC Aiken defeats Georgia College & State on Thursday, the team will secure the No. 3 seed. If the Bobcats win, the Pacers will have to wait and see what happens the last day of the regular season between GCSU and Flagler. 

Hoffman Steps Up

Last weekend, senior Sophia Hoffman stepped up in both matches against Augusta. The Littleton, Colo., native played in four sets at Augusta and promptly recorded seven digs to go along with two assists. Seeing time in one set against the Jaguars on Saturday, Hoffman registered two kills and a dig.

If She Plays

Senior Kari Mercer has been at the forefront of the record books since her time began on campus. The libero will finish her career second in digs and will be among the top three for PBC in career digs in the rally scoring era. Additionally, if Mercer plays in three more sets this season, she will move into first place for sets played in a career at USC Aiken during the rally scoring era, surpassing Shannon Byers. Currently, Mercer sits at 474 sets played while Byers saw time in 476.

Under Consideration

Last week, the NCAA announced teams under consideration for the NCAA Tournament. Listed in alphabetical order, head coach Glenn Cox's team was among the 10 in the Southeast Region. The top eight teams will reach NCAA postseason play.

Inside The Numbers

This week, USC Aiken hosts Georgia College & State on Thursday, Nov. 9. Since moving to Division II the Pacers are 25-20 (55.5 percent) in Thursday matches. During the same time, the team is 3-5 on Nov. 9.

Against The Opponent

This week, USC Aiken hosts Georgia College & State on Thursday, Nov. 9. The Pacers hold a 22-7 edge in the all-time series between the programs, which started on Sept. 25, 2013.