MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. | Georgia College & State University earned its first win of the 2026 season Friday (Sept. 4) with a three-set sweep over Shaw University at the Pickle Invitational.
GCSU split its two matches on the opening day of the tournament. The Bobcats swept Shaw University 25-12, 25-20, 25-12 in the nightcap after falling to tournament host University of Mount Olive 25-15, 18-25, 25-23, and 25-20 earlier in the day.
Avery Huyck led GCSU with nine kills against Shaw, while
Sierra Piland added eight more.
Nya Warren contributed five kills and two blocks.
Lexi Baum distributed 13 assists, while
Ile Bernis added 11.
Milla Smith paced the Bobcats with 14 digs, while Baum added seven.
The Bobcats fell to the Trojans in four sets despite holding advantages in kills, blocks and assists. Huyck also led the Bobcats with 13 kills against Mount Olive, while Piland added 12. Baum dished out 20 assists and added 11 digs. Smith also led GCSU with 18 digs, while
Haley Mendoza added seven.
The Bobcats return to action Saturday (Sept. 5) for the final day of the Pickle Invitational. GCSU will face Fayetteville State University (11 a.m.) and Coker University (3 p.m.) to close out the tournament.
About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life."
