Georgia Southern volleyball (23-9, 10-6 Sun Belt) had its unforgettable season come to an end at the hands of South Florida (22-11, 13-6 American), getting swept 3-0 in the NIVC Great Eight.
1,091 fans packed into Hanner Fieldhouse for the match, the second-most fans the Eagles had this season.
"I'm just I'm so proud of this team, it was an unbelievable year," head coach Chad Willis said. "I'm sad because we don't get to wake up tomorrow and come back and do it again. I think that's just a testament to this group and who they are and how they come in every single day. They do what we ask and then some. I'm really proud of them."
The Eagles mounted a brief lead and held it late at 21-19, but the Bulls stormed back. The offense hit a scorching .371 and it was too much for the Eagles to overcome, falling behind 1-0.
The second set was all Bulls. A 9-0 run in the middle quelled any chance of a comeback. A sparkling .514 hitting percentage was the definition of the set, winning it 25-12.
The Eagles nearly bounced back in the third set, tying things up at 24 with a massive block from Ally Barnhart and Jordan Christy. However, the Bulls got the next two points, ending the Eagles' season with a sweep.
Reagan Barth's 11 kills were a team-high, and Jillian Gray had eight to finish right behind her. Barnhart recorded seven blocks against her old squad.
Overall, it was a season to remember for the Eagles, who recorded their first 20-win season since 2013 and were one of the best teams in the Sun Belt.
Chad Willis and his staff will focus on the spring season and next year, hoping to build on the momentum sustained throughout 2023.
